The Montgomery County Food Bank board of directors announced April 1 a planned leadership transition, with Kristine Marlow concluding six years as president and CEO of the nonprofit, which saw a period of growth in the community during her tenure. Scott Burns, the food bank’s vice president of growth, was named as the next CEO following a selection process by the board, according to a news release.
The transition will occur over the next few months, Burns said.
“When I started in this role, I knew the power of community and I knew the power of bringing people together, but I didn’t know how great it could be when you can focus on one particular important critical need that people have, and that’s food,” Marlow told Community Impact.
Kristine Marlow, president and CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank, will be succeeded by Scott Burns, who is currently the nonprofit's vice president of growth. (Courtesy Montgomery County Food Bank)
Key players
Marlow stepped into the role during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time of increased need in the community. Under her leadership, the food bank saw its reach increase from serving neighbors about 55,000 times per month to more than 90,000 times per month in response to local need. It works with more than 90 partner agencies as well as volunteers, donors and corporate partners.
The past six years have also seen numerous natural disasters, requiring response from the food bank and other area agencies. Most recently, the food bank completed a $6.5 million Build Today, Feed Tomorrow capital campaign for an 18,000-square-foot facility expansion in 2025. The food bank is now able to provide 1 million additional meals annually, according to the release.
Marlow said she will spend more time with her family, noting that the transition is being done intentionally and with the blessing of the food bank’s board.
Burns assumed the role of vice president of growth in January 2025, a position that includes marketing, development and volunteer services. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and was a military officer and pilot. He also has two decades of leadership experience from Fortune 500 companies, is a former board chair for Houston Habitat for Humanity and a member of the Leadership Montgomery County Class of 2026.
He said he has enjoyed getting to know the community since he joined the nonprofit last year.
“There’s just something unique about Montgomery County and the way people step up and join together to solve problems,” Burns said.
Growing challenges
Montgomery County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the country, and it has over 100,000 people who are food insecure, Burns said.
“My goal will be to build on the really strong foundation that’s been laid under Kristine’s leadership and find ways to partner with our agencies—we’ve got 97 partner agencies that do a lot of the heavy lifting,” he said.
Marlow said she encourages residents to get involved with the community at any level, whether through the food bank or other service.
"When we can provide something that seems as simple as a box of produce or some chicken or a can of green beans to somebody who may not have that ... it brings hope, it brings dignity to their situation, and it helps them be able to face the rest of the issues that they need to face the next day," Marlow said.
Upcoming food bank events include Outrun Hunger on June 13 in Conroe.
Summer is also a challenging time for families where children normally receive meals at school. Marlow said volunteers are always needed, but summer is a good time for families to bring their kids for volunteering. More information is available here.
What they're saying
Kristine’s leadership has been nothing short of transformative,” said Jim Carman, chairman of the Montgomery County Food Bank board of directors and president of the Texas Region for Howard Hughes Communities. “She did not just guide the Food Bank through times of crisis. She elevated its role across Montgomery County. The Food Bank today is stronger and more deeply rooted in this community than ever before. Her impact will be felt for generations, and while we will miss her leadership, we are grateful for all she has built and support this next chapter.”
"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as president and CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank,” Marlow said. “What makes this organization so special is how our community comes together to fight hunger. I am deeply grateful to our board of directors, whose leadership and support have been instrumental, and to our team and partners who live out this mission every day. ... As I step away to prioritize time with my family, I do so knowing the Food Bank is in excellent hands.”
“I am humbled to follow in Kristine’s footsteps,” Burns said. “The foundation she has laid is incredibly strong. My focus will be on maintaining the momentum we have built, honoring our commitment to more than 90 partner agencies and ensuring the food bank remains a reliable source of hope for every neighbor experiencing food insecurity in Montgomery County.”
