Second Helpings adds three to board of directors

Second Helpings has appointed three new members to its board of directors, bringing experience in education, food relief and marketing to the nonprofit’s leadership team.

Renata Johnson Green, principal of Ridgeland Elementary School in Jasper County, joins the board after nearly 12 years in her current role. Under her leadership, the school has earned an Average rating on the South Carolina Report Card and has been named a Points of Light Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and a National Beta Club School of Distinction. Green previously spent 10 years as a classroom teacher and was twice named Teacher of the Year.

Green, who holds multiple advanced degrees in education and leadership, said the organization’s mission aligns closely with her work supporting student well-being.

“It’s extremely important that we put food in the hands of parents and grandparents, so that our students can come to school fed and ready for teaching and learning,” she said. “I wholeheartedly accept this position and will work diligently to fight against hunger in the entire Lowcountry.”

John Shoulders, who recently relocated to Hilton Head Island from Roanoke, Va., also joins the board.

Shoulders previously served as senior vice president of business affairs for Feeding Southwest Virginia, a Feeding America affiliate, until retiring in 2021. His earlier career included roles as a commercial lender and executive officer with Wells Fargo and Truist, followed by work in private commercial investment.

A Virginia Tech graduate, Shoulders has served on numerous nonprofit boards and currently volunteers with local food pantries.

“I want to help improve people’s lives, especially those who are food-insecure,” Shoulders said. “With Second Helpings, I feel I can have a larger impact.”

Kathryn Weismantel, chief marketing officer for IKS Health, joins as the third new board member. Before entering the health technology sector, she led Americas marketing for the consulting firm Oliver Wyman. Her nonprofit experience includes serving as a marketing advisor to the Fullers Center for Housing in Clarksdale, Miss., where she also volunteered in homebuilding projects. Weismantel holds an MBA from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame.

“Second Helpings is the unseen backbone of hunger relief in the Lowcountry,” Weismantel said. “I look forward to helping this organization tell its story so that more people see how vital it is to ending hunger in the Lowcountry.”

Executive Director Amy Colin said the organization will benefit from the range of expertise the new members bring.

“Renata provides us with a Jasper County perspective and a view into the ways Second Helpings and our agency partners can work with local schools to reach and serve our neighbors in need,” Colin said. “John is a seasoned business executive with very relevant food bank operating experience with a Feeding America affiliate. Kathryn’s extensive experience in marketing and engaging audiences is certain to increase the community’s understanding and appreciation of how Second Helpings fights hunger and food waste.”

Second Helpings, founded in 1992, works with volunteers, food donors and partner agencies to rescue and redistribute food to residents throughout the Lowcountry.