Ariel Kraeling
Regional Food Bank
Wilton,NY
1
Certification
17
years of professional experience
Results-driven nonprofit leader with more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience spanning operations management, workforce development, team leadership, and food recovery programs. Proven track record of building high-performing teams, developing strategic partnerships, and implementing operational improvements that drive organizational growth and community impact. Successfully onboarded and trained 135 employees in a one-year period as Workforce Development Manager and currently lead the Regional Food Bank's Retail Rescue Program, overseeing retail partner engagement, food recovery operations, program expansion, and cross-functional collaboration across a 23-county service area. Recognized for fostering strong stakeholder relationships, improving processes, and delivering results through effective leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to serving communities in need.
Work History
Director of Retail Rescue
11 Months- Provide strategic leadership for the Retail Rescue Program across a 23-county service area.
- Direct a team responsible for retail partner relations, food recovery operations, onboarding, transportation coordination, and agency engagement.
- Lead expansion efforts with major retail partners, including the onboarding of new store locations and increasing participation among existing partners.
- Develop and implement operational procedures, training programs, and performance metrics to improve donation recovery and program efficiency.
- Collaborate with executive leadership, Feeding America, Feeding New York State, retailers, and community partners to advance food recovery initiatives.
- Manage program growth, stakeholder relationships, compliance, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Oversee retail food recovery strategies that increase access to nutritious food for food-insecure individuals and families throughout the region.
Manager of Workforce Development
1 Year 3 Months- Managed workforce development programs designed to provide training, employment readiness, and career pathway opportunities.
- Successfully onboarded 135 employees within a one-year period, ensuring a seamless orientation, training, and integration process while maintaining compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
- Built and maintained partnerships with employers, community organizations, educational institutions, and workforce agencies.
- Coordinated participant recruitment, enrollment, training, and job placement activities.
- Monitored program performance, outcomes, and compliance requirements while ensuring achievement of grant and organizational objectives.
- Supervised program operations, participant support services, and stakeholder engagement efforts.
- Developed strategies to improve participant success, employer engagement, and long-term workforce outcomes.
General Manager / Assistant Manager / Shift Supervisor
8 Years 2 Months- Led daily operations and managed teams of 50+ employees across multiple restaurant locations.
- Directed recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management initiatives, contributing to employee development and retention.
- Oversaw labor management, scheduling, budgeting, financial performance, and operational efficiency.
- Analyzed sales trends and forecasts to drive profitability and achieve business objectives.
- Promoted from Shift Supervisor to Management based on leadership performance and operational results.
- Served as a certified trainer and mentor for managers and staff, supporting organizational growth and leadership development.
- Maintained compliance with food safety, alcohol service, and company operating standards.
Bartender / Beverage Manager / Shift Leader
6 Years 8 Months- Progressed from Bartender to Shift Leader and Beverage Manager through demonstrated leadership and operational excellence.
- Supervised front-of-house operations and supported daily team management activities.
- Managed beverage purchasing, inventory control, vendor relationships, and cost management.
- Assisted with staff training, customer service initiatives, and operational oversight to support
Certified Dental Assistant
1 Year 5 Months- Provide strategic leadership for the Retail Rescue Program across a 23-county service area.
- Direct a team responsible for retail partner relations, food recovery operations, onboarding, transportation coordination, and agency engagement.
- Lead expansion efforts with major retail partners, including the onboarding of new store locations and increasing participation among existing partners.
- Develop and implement operational procedures, training programs, and performance metrics to improve donation recovery and program efficiency.
- Collaborate with executive leadership, Feeding America, Feeding New York State, retailers, and community partners to advance food recovery initiatives.
- Manage program growth, stakeholder relationships, compliance, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Oversee retail food recovery strategies that increase access to nutritious food for food-insecure individuals and families throughout the region.
Education
Certified Dental Assistant
Associate of Arts (A.A.) - Liberal Arts
High School Diploma
Skills
Relationship building
Strategic planning
Verbal and written communication
Decision-making
Operations management
Strategies and goals
Employee development
Certification
Servsafe certified
Timeline
Director of Retail Rescue
Regional Food Bank
07.2025 - 06.2026Read More
Manager of Workforce Development
Regional Food Bank
04.2024 - 07.2025Read More
General Manager / Assistant Manager / Shift Supervisor
99 Restaurants
02.2016 - 04.2024Read More
Certified Dental Assistant
Walton & Raffuel LLC
09.2011 - 02.2013Read More
Bartender / Beverage Manager / Shift Leader
Uno Pizzeria & Grill
06.2009 - 02.2016Read More
Corinth Central School
High School Diploma
Read More
SUNY Adirondack
Associate of Arts (A.A.) from Liberal Arts
Read More
Adirondack Dental Assisting School
Certified Dental Assistant
Read More