Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) -  Channel One has a new executive director. The Rochester-based regional food bank says Virginia Merritt will officially begin her new job in January.

Merritt has served as Executive Director of Legal Assistance of Olmsted County the last five years. She became a member of the United Way of Olmsted County’s Board of Directors in 2015.

She will fill the vacancy created with the departure of Jennifer Woodford, who left in June to become President of the Rochester Area Foundation.

“We have selected an incredible individual who will confidently lead Channel One well into the future. She is a strong advocate, dedicated, determined and a highly respected leader in many public service areas. She has a tremendous amount of enthusiasm, possesses effective team building skills and most significantly, she has the confidence to lead Channel One as we address the challenges that our clients face each and every day,” said Jim Bressi, Channel One Regional Food Bank board chair.
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“I am excited to join the dedicated staff and volunteers at Channel One Regional Food Bank and look forward to working with Channels One's staff, board of directors, partners, volunteers, and the community to feed people and change lives. Channel One has a long history of serving those in need and has created innovative programs to deliver food and nutrition to low-income people in the community. I look forward to helping Channel One to continue to achieve its mission well into the future,” Merritt said.

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