Robert H. Forney Named President and CEO of Chicago-Based America's Second Harvest

America's Second Harvest
Wednesday, 9 May 2001

Former Chicago Stock Exchange President and CEO To Lead Nation's Largest Hunger Relief Charity

Robert H. Forney, former Chicago Stock Exchange President and CEO, was named today as the new President and CEO of America's Second Harvest, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, America's Second Harvest is a national network of more than 200 regional affiliate food banks and food-rescue organizations that provide more than $2.3 billion in food and grocery products to 50,000 local charitable agencies.

Forney replaces Deborah Leff, who left to head up the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston.

"I am thrilled to join an organization that is working hard to end hunger in America. There are serious hunger needs across the country, but I strongly believe ending hunger is an attainable objective," said Forney, 59.

Forney brings extensive business acumen to his new position, most recently as the President and CEO of the Chicago Stock Exchange, where during his six-year tenure he achieved industry leading results including a compound growth rate of more than 80 percent, annual increase in productivity of at least 50 percent, and an increase in seat prices (market cap) of more than 15 times. Under Forney's leadership, the Exchange introduced innovative over-the-counter trading and after-hours trading programs while maintaining one of the most technologically advanced trading environments in the U.S.

Before the Exchange, Forney held several high-level positions with corporations primarily focused on technology and systems integration. These included senior vice president, Bricker & Associates, Inc.; vice president, Panasophic Systems Inc.; and senior vice president, Technology Solutions Co.

Forney also raised the profile of the Exchange through his extensive efforts in community and civic service. "My philosophy at the Chicago Stock Exchange was to work towards achieving best business practices while making a commitment to the community' social needs. I have a strong belief that good business practices must be balanced with a similar effort to address social needs," said Forney.

Forney has an equally full philanthropic resume, including active involvement as a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, one of the largest affiliate food banks of America's Second Harvest as well counseling to the inner city homeless through his volunteer work with the Night Ministry. Forney has received many awards for his philanthropy, most recently honored by the Boys Scouts, Chicago Youth Guidance, Civic Federation, Night Ministry, and the Rainbow Push Coalition.

Glen Crawford, Chairman of America's Second Harvest Board of Directors, comments: "Bob has an impressive blend of experience in the business world, and work in disadvantaged communities. His diverse skills cultivated at the Exchange bring synergy to our network of food banks and food-rescue organizations providing hunger-relief services to every U.S. county. We're excited to have him as our new leader at America's Second Harvest."

For more information, or to contact America's Second Harvest, see their website at: www.secondharvest.org