Meet Our Staff:

Mike Womack

Mike is our Executive Director. He began his journey with Feed America First in 2011. Mike believes that Feed America First stands out among others in its dedication to serving those in need. Prior to his role at Feed America First, Mike pursued an education in biblical counseling, obtaining a bachelor's degree from Trinity Seminary. Currently, he is pursuing a master's degree in counseling from Liberty University. He has been happily married to his wife Sherie since 1990 and they have 3 beautiful daughters. Mike is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to FAF’s vital work to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families facing food insecurity.   

Mathew 25:35 “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”

Julie Vandel

Julie is our Director of Development. Upon learning about soup kitchens at 7 years old, Julie said she wanted to work in hunger relief when she grew up. This led her to attend MTSU for Organizational Communication with a focus in non-profit organizations. She began volunteering and interning at Feed America First in 2013 and was hired in 2014 after graduation. While serving in many roles throughout the years, Julie found her passion in development, event planning, and fundraising - what an amazing privilege it is to help set the dinner tables of our neighbors in need through the connections and caring hearts of our donors, volunteers, and supporters! 

1 John 3:16-18, NLT "We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion - how can God's love be in that person? Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions."

Michelle Olsen 

Michelle is our Volunteer Coordinator and Partner Agency Relations Manager. She began volunteering at Feed America First when her family moved to TN in 2015 and has been in her current role for 2 years. Michelle has spent many fun years as a stay-at-home mom, serving in youth leadership, primary teaching, and volunteering roles. She worked for 15 years as a Certified Nursing Assistant and also owned her own Licensed Massage Therapy business. She and her husband Rodger of 20 years have three beautiful daughters, Alexis, Samantha, and Taylor. Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, running, being outdoors, and serving others.

John 21:15 “Lovest thou me more than these? Yea, Lord: thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”

Doug Fuqua 

Doug is our Director of Community Relations and has been a vital member of the team for 2 years. Doug is passionate about helping to provide for his neighbors and is honored to do so each day. Doug has a bachelor's degree in Christian Education from Martin Methodist College and spent 11 years as an associate youth pastor. He has spent the last 6 years serving hunger relief ministries. Doug is a lifelong Middle Tennessean and now lives with his wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Morgan, in Franklin, TN. 

Isaiah 58:9-12 “If you get rid of unfair practices quit blaming victims, quit gossiping about other people’s sins, if you are generous with the hungry and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out, Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight…”

Jeremy Pickwell 

Jeremy is our Business Manager and has been with Feed America First for two years now. Jeremy is passionate about Feed America First because he feels that we are plugging a crucial gap between the people who are going hungry and the people disposing of food. He also values our focus on rural places helping those who are most overlooked. Jeremy has a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, M.A.R., and a Bachelor's in Music. He is currently the founding and senior pastor of Alinea church in Murfreesboro. He has been married to his wife Jennifer for 20 years and they have 2 beautiful sons, Wyatt and Weston.

Mark 9:41 “For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward"

Richard Ryden

Richard is our Logistics Director. He has been with Feed America First for over 6 years! Richard maintains our food inventory, national connections and distributions, and logistics. Richard says is proud to work for Feed America First to be able to alleviate our local hunger problem. Richard has been married to his wife for 11 years and they are both life group leaders at their church. They have 4 kids and 4 grandkids. Richard cultivates relationships with local ministries in order to better serve the community. 

 John 21:17 “He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.”

Ken "Pops" Laurence 

Pops has been with Feed America First for over 10 years. Pops helps in all aspects of our warehouse including pick-ups, distributions, operations, warehouse upkeep, and so much more! Pops believes that the time he has spent at Feed America First has not only been life-changing but allowed him to grow in his faith. Before Feed America First, Pops worked in electrical services at his own company for 15 years and also worked as a director at a rehab facility for 2.5 years. He moved back to Murfreesboro where he married his wife of 14 years. He is the proud father of 4 children and enjoys playing and listening to Christian Country Music. 

Luke 6: 38 “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”