Reno D. Wright

About Reno D. Wright

As Public Policy and Advocacy Director at Hunger Task Force, I direct the state and federal legislative agendas for the organization and oversee organizing and programming for multiple federal nutrition programs. As an Adjunct Instructor at Edgewood College, I facilitate the academic and professional development of doctoral students in the field of educational leadership. Additionally, with over 25 years of experience in executive management, training, and public speaking in human and social services, workforce development and adult education, I have a proven track record of designing and implementing effective programs, establishing and maintaining partnerships, and ensuring quality and performance outcomes.I am also an ordained pastor and educator with over 15 years of service in a congregational church setting, where I provide preaching, teaching, pastoral care and counseling, worship planning, and church administration. I hold a Doctor of Education (EdD) from Edgewood College, a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) and a Master of Divinity from Ecumenical Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Michigan State University. I am passionate about advocating for vulnerable populations, empowering and inspiring others to achieve their personal and professional goals, and contributing to the common good.

Experience

1. Public Policy and Advocacy Director

   Hunger Task Force

   Dec 2023 — Present

   Responsible for organizing the strategic objectives of the organization to end future hunger. Determine the course of action for the Advocacy Team directing and influencing outcomes that increase access to the federal nutrition assistance programs. •Direct the Advocacy Team’s short and long-term anti-hunger policy strategies.•Write an annual agenda detailing goals and outcomes for each of the federal nutrition programs.•Direct timely and appropriate community actions toward state and federal lobbying effort; assure tha the agency’s advocacy agenda is recognized/supported/adopted by key decision makers in government.•Oversee and guide the anti-hunger public policy work of over 170 statewide organizations within the Hunger Relief Federation of Wisconsin.•Assure grant funded programs meet productivity outcomes.•Recruit, select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff, including managers.• Monitor federal, state and local anti-hunger public policy; recommend public policy strategies; draft testimony, legislation, professional reports and official correspondence •Assure Public Policy goals and strategy align with best practices nationally, as well as emergent innovations.•Communicate with federal, state and local officials about anti-hunger legislation.•Maintain partnerships at the local, state and national levels to advance the annual advocacy agenda and to support the organization’s strategic plan. •Oversee organizing and special programming to expand access to federal nutrition programs.•Registered Lobbyist in the State of Wisconsin.

Education

• Ecumenical Theological Seminary

  Doctor of Ministry

  2011 — 2015

• Ecumenical Theological Seminary

  Doctor of Ministry, D.Min.

• Center for Congregational Leadership

  Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies (CFTS)

• Ecumenical Theological Seminary

  Master of Divinity

• Michigan State University

  Bachelor of Arts

• Edgewood College

  Doctor of Education - EdD