LA Regional Food Bank Honors Michael Flood

Michael Flood, the President and CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, has been named the 2026 Nonprofit Executive of the Year (Large) by the Los Angeles Business Journal. The recognition was announced on April 1, 2026, as part of the Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Symposium and Awards.

The award recognizes Flood’s leadership during 2025, a period that marked his 25th anniversary as the organization’s chief executive. According to the Los Angeles Business Journal, 2025 was one of the most challenging years in the history of Los Angeles County, characterized by catastrophic wildfires in the Greater Los Angeles area and a federal government shutdown.

The federal government shutdown specifically disrupted CalFresh benefits, while the wildfires displaced thousands of residents and destabilized local economies. Under Flood’s direction, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank scaled emergency food distributions and coordinated with local and state agencies, corporate partners and public officials to maintain food access.

In 2025, the Food Bank acquired and distributed food and essential products for disaster response, serving more than one million people each month across Los Angeles County.

Long-term Operational Impact

Flood has led the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank since assuming the role of Chief Executive in 2000. His career in food banking began in 1990. During his tenure, he has focused on expanding food distribution, improving nutrient quality, and implementing nutrition education programs.

One of the most significant periods of growth occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Flood’s guidance, the organization mobilized a response that resulted in the distribution of more than 325 million pounds of food, which the organization calculates as the equivalent of 257 million meals.

His steady, strategic leadership during crises exemplifies the collaborative, innovative and mission-driven executive leadership this award seeks to recognize.

Los Angeles Business Journal

The organization’s current operations continue to function at a near-record pace to address ongoing nutrition insecurity and hunger in Los Angeles County, even as some conditions in the region improve.

Professional Recognition and Background

The 2026 honor is the second time Flood has received this recognition from the Los Angeles Business Journal, having previously been honored in 2022.

Beyond the LABJ awards, Flood was included in the LA Times’ 2024 Influential list, an announcement made on September 24, 2024. He is recognized as a leading national voice on nutrition insecurity and food banking.

In addition to his executive role at the Food Bank, Flood serves on various boards and organizations focused on public service and social welfare.