Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance names Bobbi McDaniel as development director

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) 1,079 views 

The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance announced Thursday (May 12) the promotion of Bobbi McDaniel to Development Director.

McDaniel has been with the Alliance for three years working in development and with the SNAP Outreach team. She replaces Mary Bea Gross, who retired at the end of April.

In her new role, McDaniel will coordinate the Alliance’s fundraising efforts, foster relationships with partners and donors, and manage the development team.

“Our work with Bobbi has a long history. She and her husband Dustin chaired Serving Up Solutions for us in the past and she’s been working with us on a part-time basis since 2019,” said Alliance CEO Kathy Webb.

“In her time with us, Bobbi has proven to be a dedicated and compassionate employee and I am thrilled she’s joining us full time as Development Director. As head of our upcoming 15th anniversary Serving Up Solutions event in June, she’s already surpassed our fundraising goals. We look forward to working with Bobbi in strengthening donor support and developing ways to show our appreciation to those who make our work possible,” Webb added.

Bobbi McDaniel.

McDaniel has been involved with various charities and foundations since moving from Jonesboro to Central Arkansas in 2009.

She is a past board member of the Arkansas Foodbank, Women and Children First, the Arkansas Repertory Theater, and Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, where she served as its president.

Among other awards and recognition, in 2010, McDaniel was honored with the Domestic Peace Award for the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence. She was recognized with the Arkansas Patron of the Year Award from Argenta Community Theater in 2013.

Mary Bea Gross retired in April from the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance after four years. Her career spanned 31 years in fundraising and ten years in nonprofit and government management. She helped grow the Alliance’s fundraising profile and partnered with organizations large and small to support the mission of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.