A Chief Knowledge Officer isn’t something every nonprofit has. In fact, DC Central Kitchen might be the only one. But that makes sense, since our Chief Knowledge Officer Dr. Beverley Wheeler is one of one herself. For years, long before she joined our staff, we asked Beverley to join DC Central Kitchen’s Board of Directors. At the time, she was the head of DC Hunger Solutions, where she was the city’s go-to expert on federal nutrition programs and a dogged advocate for ending hunger in our nation’s capital. That might be enough for anyone’s resume, but food policy is something of a third or fourth career for Dr. Bev. Before she began shaping food policy in DC—and making programs like WIC and SNAP and school breakfast more accessible and accountable to DC residents—Beverley was a force for education in DC, serving as the Executive Director of the State Board of Education and CEO of Center City Public Charter Schools. In addition to that career, she was also a force for change in DC Government, working as the Chief of Staff to Councilmember Phil Mendelson and as Special Assistant to three City Administrators, along with working directly with Mayor Marion Barry.
Basically, if you have eaten in DC, or been educated in DC, or found opportunities in DC, we’re pretty sure you have Beverley to thank.
In her time at DC Central Kitchen, Beverley has helped us live up to the big audacious goals we set when we moved into our long-awaited headquarters, the Klein Center for Jobs and Justice. Lots of organizations like to talk about big goals. But Beverley worked to make those goals a reality, articulate them clearly to staff across the Kitchen, and hold us all accountable to work towards them. As much as she did internally, Beverley did just as much if not more externally, sharing her expertise and DC Central Kitchen’s insights and experiences with any nonprofit, student, or researcher who asked. Hundreds of organizations have visited DCCK, learned from Beverley, and brought those lessons back to their community thanks to her leadership. Her leadership as an open-source resource and devoted partner to peer nonprofits was featured this summer in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, which wrote “when nonprofit leaders from around the country want to understand how to feed people and help them gain financial independence, they often end up at DC Central Kitchen’s headquarters …waiting for a tour from Beverley Wheeler.”
Later this month, Beverley will retire from DC Central Kitchen. We are hardly the only ones who have benefited from her hard work. Our team reached out to some of Beverley’s former colleagues and partners and asked them to reflect on what she meant to them. Please take a moment to see what they had to say and join us in congratulating Beverley on a career filled with impact and inspiration. Thank you, Dr. Beverley!
“I am grateful to have known and worked alongside Beverley for the past 10 years. I met her when I was at Martha’s Table and she was at DC Hunger Solutions. She was – and still is – a passionate advocate for residents of the District and a fearless and tireless champion for the most basic rights – good nourishing food – for all. I also just love that her deep love of food means she gets to enjoy whatever her husband prepares for her 🙂 I have had some very real and difficult conversations with Beverley and I am most grateful for her perspective and support and will absolutely miss her unbridled joy and enthusiasm for life.” – Caron Gremont, Director, Food System Resiliency & Innovation, FRESHFARM
“I met Beverley Wheeler when she was President and CEO of Center City Public Charter Schools and knew immediately that she was someone who would stop at nothing to get things done for DC’s children. At the time, that meant ensuring every student had access to a free, nutritious breakfast. Her commitment to breakfast in the classroom—grounded in the conviction that children need to be nourished to learn and that school leaders must prioritize nutrition—became a model for schools across the city.
DC was incredibly fortunate to have Beverley lead D.C. Hunger Solutions. She brought her conviction, intelligence, connections, and charm to crafting policies, building partnerships, and spearheading programs that improved the nutrition, health, and well-being of tens of thousands of DC residents.
Anyone who knows Beverley knows she is a Carnegie Mellon alum who bleeds tartan! She brings that same passion, loyalty, and determination to making Washington, DC, the best possible city for everyone. She is a natural partner who combines a clear sense of purpose with the relationships, creativity, and sheer force of personality to turn good ideas into meaningful change. Beverley is a rare person who leaves an indelible impression on your soul. If you are lucky enough to cross her path, you will be impressed by her and touched by her spirit from your very first meeting. She brings light, love, and laughter into your life—and leaves you better for having known her.” – Alexandra Ashbrook, former Executive Director of DC Hunger Solutions
“Beverley is an absolute inspiration. Her passion is contagious. I was honored to be Beverley’s colleague and friend and to have a front row seat as she led DC Hunger Solutions, including her work during the pandemic to advocate and support DC’s efforts to implement Pandemic EBT, grab and go meal programs, and so many other things that were critical to our city’s response to the crisis.” – Crystal FitzSimons, President, Food Research & Action Center
“I met Beverley when she started leading DC Hunger Solutions and I’ve admired her policy chops, determination, and effectiveness ever since. She consistently brought optimism and joy to work that could be discouraging in the face of slow progress. Why isn’t healthy food access for all – so critical to health, wellness, and dignity – a priority for everyone?! I’m so fortunate to have such a beloved colleague to draw inspiration from.” – Lindsay Smith, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
“Beverley is always willing to share what she knows—which is a lot—and to uplift the work of her allies in community service. I’ve developed a lot of trust in her judgement and her insight over the years. Basically, if Beverley says something, I take her word for it, and if she asks for something, the answer is yes.” – Carrie Stoltzfus, CEO, Food & Friends
“Beverley was an absolute powerhouse for the Food Policy Council for so many years. She ensured we consistently focused on the right things, the core drivers of food insecurity in the District, and that we didn’t shy away from having the tough and important conversations. She inspired me over and over, both personally and professionally. I am so grateful to be able to have worked with Beverley, and while I hope she takes a well-deserved BREAK in retirement, I’m grateful to know she’ll be a part of my life and work, always!” – Caroline Howe, Director of Food Systems Strategies at Bright Seeds and former DC Food Policy Director
“Beverley is truly one of a kind. As a passionate health advocate, she has dedicated herself to improving the well-being of her community. No matter the title she held or the organization she served, her commitment to putting people first never wavered. She understood that effective policies and programs begin with listening to the needs of those they are meant to serve.
Beverely has always been an exceptional listener, taking the time to thoughtfully consider different perspectives. Her words carry weight because they are grounded in careful reflection, experience, and genuine concern for others. When Beverley speaks, people listen, knowing her insights are guided by both wisdom and a deep commitment to the public good.” – Dr. Stacey Snelling, American University’s Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities Lab
“Beverley was like a sister to me when we ran fraternal organizations…I always appreciated her strategic thinking and her cooperative spirit. She’s one of a kind and I treasure her friendship and her leadership.” – Michael J. Wilson, former Executive Director, Maryland Hunger Solutions
“I saw Beverley take on every challenge without hesitation and with a distinctly positive outlook driven by a clear vision for just and equitable services for all. She was always a joy to be around, and her positive energy and ferocious optimism kept me motivated to keep fighting for what’s right.” – Paula Reichel, Chief Innovation Officer, Genuine Foods and former member, DC Food Policy Council