When Mandy Cloninger walks into Meals On Wheels of Tampa this December, she will be stepping into a legacy half a century in the making.
The nonprofit just celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of service to homebound residents and seniors across Tampa Bay. At the same event, the organization announced Cloninger as its next chief executive officer.
SIGN UP FOR TBBW’S FREE NEWSLETTER
She will succeed Steve King, who is retiring after 20 years of leadership that transformed the privately funded mission into one of Tampa’s most trusted lifelines. King leaves behind a record of growth and community engagement that redefined what local service can look like.
A career built on purpose
Cloninger is no stranger to that kind of work. Her career has been shaped by a purposeful approach, persistence and a profound understanding of how food brings people together.
She most recently led her own firm, Relentless Partner Consulting, and previously served as Chief Impact Officer at Feeding Tampa Bay and Executive Director of Trinity Café, where she helped merge the organization under the Feeding Tampa Bay umbrella.
READ: Defense contractor moving HQ to Tampa and invest $20M in region
Her experience in leading nonprofit missions focused on food, hunger and health made her the unanimous choice of the Meals On Wheels board. Ed Bass, president of the board, said the decision was clear.
“Our board was tremendously impressed with Mandy’s skills and leadership abilities,” he said. “We’re extremely proud to have her lead our mission as we begin the next 50 years of serving our community.”
A mission of connection
For Cloninger, the moment represents both continuity and renewal. She has long believed that fighting hunger is not just about meals but about dignity and connection. That philosophy mirrors Meals On Wheels’ mission to deliver food and friendship to those who might otherwise be forgotten.
“I have seen firsthand how a simple act of service can restore hope,” Cloninger said. “Meals On Wheels represents the best of Tampa — compassion, consistency, and care.”
READ: Wagamama moving its U.S. headquarters to Tampa
Her appointment also signals a new era for the organization. The needs of Tampa’s aging population are growing rapidly, and the demand for Meals On Wheels’ services continues to rise.
Under King’s leadership, the organization expanded routes, strengthened volunteer programs and modernized its delivery systems to meet that demand. Cloninger steps in at a time when the next chapter will require both vision and adaptability.
A legacy of service
King said he could not imagine a better successor.
“The need for our services — the food and friendship MOW provides on a daily basis — will only continue to increase in the years ahead,” he said. “Mandy’s background and experience, combined with her proven results in combating hunger in our community, make her a great choice to lead this mission forward.”
Meals On Wheels has been part of Tampa’s civic heartbeat for five decades. Each day, its volunteers deliver not only meals but also human connection — a smile, a conversation, a reminder that someone cares.
READ: The data is in: Mixed-use stadiums win big for cities and fans
Cloninger understands the weight and privilege of leading an organization built on that foundation. Her reputation in the nonprofit sector rests on collaboration and measurable impact.
At Feeding Tampa Bay, she helped expand outreach and introduced data-driven strategies to improve service delivery. At Trinity Café, she guided the organization through growth and transformation while keeping its mission centered on hospitality and respect.
Looking ahead
As she prepares to take the helm, Cloninger sees her role as both steward and innovator.
“This organization has an incredible history,” she said. “My goal is to honor that while helping us grow in new ways that meet the needs of tomorrow’s Tampa.”
That balance — preserving legacy while pursuing progress — defines Cloninger’s approach. Her leadership reflects the same combination of empathy and pragmatism that Meals On Wheels has embodied for 50 years.
READ: Tampa Bay coworking market ranks 29th in U.S., 3rd in Florida
For King, whose leadership helped the organization earn citywide recognition, the transition is personal. “I’ve known and admired Mandy as a colleague for many years,” he said. “I’m excited both for Meals On Wheels and for her. The mission is in good hands.”
Meals On Wheels of Tampa now looks toward its next half-century with optimism. Under Cloninger’s guidance, its mission of serving food, friendship and dignity to homebound neighbors is poised to reach even more people across the community.
As the city continues to grow, so too does the organization that has quietly sustained it — one meal, one visit and one act of kindness at a time.
