March Employee of the Month: Brian Henderson

March 16, 2026

The Food Bank of Delaware is proud to recognize Brian Henderson, Operations Director, as our March Employee of the Month. Anyone who works alongside Brian will tell you the recognition is well deserved—and then some.

Brian plays a vital role in keeping the Food Bank running smoothly. His work touches nearly every part of the organization. From supporting mobile pantries and mass food distributions to ensuring our partner agencies have what they need to succeed, Brian and his team help ensure that food reaches the neighbors in our community who need it most

What makes Brian exceptional is his ability to handle immense responsibilities while making it all look effortless. Focused, dependable, and calm under pressure, he has built a team that respects his leadership and shares his commitment to getting the job done.

Interestingly, Brian’s career path didn’t originally point toward nonprofit leadership. Nearly 13 years ago—this June will mark his anniversary with the Food Bank—Brian had different plans.

“I wanted to be a truck driver and drive 18-wheelers,” he said. He also trained with an uncle to become an electrician.

At the time, Brian was living in Philadelphia and was unemployed when he connected with the Food Bank of Delaware. Initially, he was hesitant to apply for a warehouse and truck driver position because of the long commute to the organization’s former Newark location on Garfield Way. But he decided to give it a try—and never looked back.

“The love here was so good,” Brian said.

His early supervisors, Ed Matarese and later Trevor Turner, helped shape his journey. “I had great support, and I have an amazing team,” he added.

Leading the Heart of Operations
As Operations Director, Brian manages a complex system of moving parts that keeps the organization functioning efficiently.

He works closely with community partners, tracks incoming food commodities, and ensures products are properly routed throughout the warehouse—whether to refrigeration, freezer storage, volunteer packing areas, or distribution to more than 200 pantry partners across the state.

Brian also oversees the Food Bank’s fleet of trucks, box vans, and vehicles (with the exception of electric cars), along with all warehouse equipment—from forklifts to pallet jacks—ensuring everything – and everyone — meets safety and compliance standards.

In addition, he assists with warehouse training for students in the Food Bank’s LOGIC workforce development program and provides hands-on instruction for new hires. Behind the scenes, Brian also plays a critical role in maintaining the organization’s facilities and ensuring they meet or exceed rigorous industry audit standards.

Despite the scale of his responsibilities, Brian is quick to credit the people around him.

“We communicate as a team and brainstorm together,” he said. “I’m not really their boss—I work for them.”

Creating a culture of respect and camaraderie is important to Brian. His team works hard, but they also enjoy spending time together outside of work.

“I love it here,” he said. “My team—we hang out together outside of work.”

Always Ready to Step Up
Brian’s commitment to the Food Bank and the community it serves goes far beyond the normal workday, as his nomination stated.
In February, as the organization prepared for a major snowstorm, staff coordinated emergency support with Code Purple shelters, Friendship House, and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA). On a Sunday, Brian was asked if he could help locate completed backpack meal kits in the warehouse that urgently needed to be delivered to emergency shelters.

Without hesitation, he came in.

Brian personally helped pull the order, load the vehicles, and restock the inventory—ensuring the supplies reached people who needed them during the storm. His willingness to step up outside regular working hours, along with his strong sense of ownership and reliability, make him an invaluable member of the Food Bank team.

Going above and beyond seems to be simply part of who Brian is.

“I don’t mind jumping in on the job,” he said. “I go out with the pantries too. I just love to be here. It’s an opportunity to give back to the community. It’s really a blessing.”

Congratulations, Brian, and thank you for the dedication, leadership, and heart you bring to the Food Bank of Delaware every day.