The Mothers’ Milk Bank Welcomes New CEO to Advance the Organization’s Mission to Enhance the Availability and Use of Safe Donor Human Milk for All Babies
San Jose, California (August 16, 2023) – The Mothers’ Milk Bank (MMB), a California-based nonprofit and a leading provider of certified, safe, pasteurized donor human milk to all babies, today announced the appointment of Jennifer Benito-Kowalski as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer with extensive experience in the nonprofit sector and a genuine passion for the organization’s mission, Benito-Kowalski brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to MMB.
As the CEO, Benito-Kowalski will work to expand awareness and bolster support for MMB’s mission within the postnatal community and beyond, as the organization prepares to mark its 50th anniversary in 2024.
Founded in 1974, Mothers’ Milk Bank is the oldest nonprofit (501 (c ) (3) operating milk bank in North America, serving the state of California and other states in the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska. The Milk Bank distributes safe donor human milk to more than 80% of California’s NICUs and other hospitals. The Milk bank is a charter member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). Milk banks affiliated with HMBANA are certified safe and have a substantial legacy of meeting the needs of all vulnerable babies. The Milk Bank distributes more than 900,000 ounces of human milk to hospitals and outpatient families across the U.S.
“I am both honored and excited to join Mothers’ Milk Bank as CEO,” said Benito-Kowalski. “This organization has an incredible legacy of providing life-saving nutrition to infants and supporting families during their most vulnerable moments. I am committed to building upon this strong foundation and working collaboratively with MMB’s dedicated team to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and ensure that every baby has access to the vital nutrition they need to thrive.”
The Board of Directors of the Mother’s Milk Bank selected Benito-Kowalski from a broad field of candidates to lead the organization into a new era of growth and innovation. With her visionary leadership and passion for making a difference, Benito-Kowalski will address the organization’s strategic goals, which include increasing donor outreach and expanding community partnerships to serve more babies and their families.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Benito-Kowalski as our new CEO,” said Katie Anderson, chair of the MMB Board of Directors “Jennifer’s extensive experience, passion, and proven leadership make her the ideal candidate to bring MMB to the next level. Under her direction, we are poised for a promising future providing more life-saving nutrition to infants and supporting families to thrive.”
For more information about Mother’s Milk Bank, its services, or how to support its mission, please visit mothersmilk.org
About The Mothers’ Milk Bank
The Mothers’ Milk Bank is a leading nonprofit organization based in San Jose, California, dedicated to providing certified, donated human milk to all babies. The organization collects, pasteurizes, and distributes safe human milk to hospitals and families in need, ensuring that infants receive the essential nutrition required for optimal health and development. With a commitment to improving the lives of babies, Mothers’ Milk Bank plays a vital role in supporting families and advancing neonatal care across California and beyond.