Former Montgomery County Councilmember Craig Rice was chosen as the new CEO of Manna Food Center.
He succeeds Jackie DeCarlo, who retired at the end of 2024 after 11 years leading the largest community-based organization striving to end hunger in Montgomery County. Holly Wong, immediate past board chair, will remain interim CEO until Rice begins work Feb. 3.
According to a news release from Manna, “Craig brings to Manna a strong background and passion for service to the neighbors in our community that has been demonstrated throughout his career. ”
In his most recent post, Rice served as Vice President of Community Engagement for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington. He had been the councilmember for District 2 for 12 years and a state delegate for four years.
“Craig was a strong supporter of and partner to Manna, and his keen insights led to strategic partnerships between Manna and the Montgomery County Public Schools to provide critical food security for children and families,” according to the news release.
Rice, of Darnestown, attended the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and the University of Maryland. He is married and the father of three.
“I have always sought the opportunity to be a catalyst for change in my community, especially with the understanding that food represents much more than just a healthy meal or calories on a plate. Food embodies love, comfort, and hope; it is deeply intertwined with our mental, physical, and emotional well being,” Rice said.
“I want to express my gratitude to my predecessor, Jackie DeCarlo, for her dedicated service to the organization and the community, and I aim to build upon her remarkable work with the amazing Manna team. Achieving the goal of eliminating hunger is within reach with the right support from government, corporations, and the greater community. During my tenure, I aspire to help guide us toward that objective.”
Jason Mills, chair of Manna’s board of directors, announced the non-profit is “thrilled that Craig is joining Manna Food Center, and that he will build upon this legacy and help grow Manna towards the future. As a former elected official, non-profit executive and community advocate, he has the vision, leadership skills, networks of partners and passion to help Manna eliminate hunger in Montgomery County.”
DeCarlo’s farewell message:
Rice had been considered for a position with county government as a special projects manager in April of 2024, but he withdrew his name from consideration after he said he had heard too many behind the scenes comments and read too many social media posts that he was being given the job because he was a friend, and “I don’t want anybody to ever perceive that I got a position I don’t deserve.”
In a phone call with MCM following his withdrawal, he thanked the support he received from councilmembers, but said he never wanted to put any of them in a position where they would have to defend hiring him.
“That’s just the world we live in,” Rice said. “There is a constant assault on people.” He added, “I have children. I have a family. They are on social media.”
Council Creates New Special Projects Manager Position; Rice Could Be in Line for Job
