ReFED Names Sara Burnett Executive Director

CHICAGO –  ReFED—the U.S.-based nonprofit working to catalyze the food system toward evidence-based action to reduce food waste at scale—announced the hiring of food systems leader Sara Burnett as its new Executive Director following a months-long search. Burnett has an extensive background in the food industry, including nearly twenty years at Panera Bread, the fast-casual restaurant chain with over 2,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada, and a strong focus on sustainability. She will be working closely with Dana Gunders, who is stepping into the new role of President at ReFED to work externally to provide leadership to the broader food waste movement, while also providing internal strategic direction. This expansion of the executive team—plus a slate of additional new hires throughout the organization—is an indicator of the great growth and momentum in the food waste space, and in ReFED’s growing impact and ability to continue being an indispensable resource for that space.

Burnett served as the VP of Food Beliefs, Sustainability, and Public Relations at Panera Bread and Panera Brands for 18 years and also led their giving programs including the Panera Bread Foundation. After departing Panera at the end of May 2023, she served as Founder and Principal Consultant of Burnett Strategy and Communications, helping purpose-driven organizations from nonprofits to leading food companies grow their businesses while driving positive impact. She began her career as a food scientist and supply chain expert leading programs in ingredient quality, food safety, climate strategy, and animal welfare.

“We are beyond excited to welcome Sara to the ReFED team. Her past experience and her vision for ReFED’s future will help us build on our recent successes and chart a course for further impact.”

Dana Gunders, President

Burnett has led a number of industry-leading sustainability strategies, including Panera’s on-menu carbon labeling and their Clean Food Commitment. She has also focused on food loss and waste reduction through managing Panera’s “Day-End Dough-Nation” program, partnering with more than 3,200 local nonprofits to donate unsold baked goods each evening, and championing the offering of half-order menu items to cut down on waste by giving customers a say in portion sizes. She also oversaw Panera’s produce supply chain from field to fork, reviewing harvest practices and specifications to increase yield and reduce loss. Most recently, she has been working with Georgetown University’s Portion Balance Coalition, as they promote portion balance as a tool to reduce food waste and improve health outcomes.

“We are beyond excited to welcome Sara to the ReFED team,” said Dana Gunders, President, ReFED. “As a leader in the fight against food waste, ReFED has always served as an advisor, convener, catalyst, and researcher, and Sara personifies all of those roles. Her past experience and her vision for ReFED’s future will help us build on our recent successes and chart a course for further impact.”

“I’m so proud to be joining ReFED and to support their work during this time of incredible growth,” said Burnett. “As a leader in the fight against food waste, ReFED is driving action, fueling innovation, and unlocking solutions to help make better use of the food we produce. My hope is to build on their successes and continue to generate all of the positive impacts that come from food waste reduction—for people, the planet, and the economy.”

In the U.S., 38% of food goes unsold or uneaten annually—nearly 90 million tons or 145 billion meals’ worth of food that costs the country $473 billion. Food waste is a major cause of climate change, generating more than 6% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, and is a major contributor of atmospheric methane, a greenhouse gas that is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide. ReFED works with food businesses, funders and investors, innovators and entrepreneurs, policymakers, and more to advance food waste solutions and drive systems-level change. In her new role, Burnett will provide organizational leadership with direct oversight of ReFED’s programs, operations, and administration, as well as contribute to the organization’s strategic vision.

Throughout 2024, ReFED will grow significantly with the addition of new team members at all levels. With the hiring of Burnett as Executive Director and the transition of Gunders to the new role of President & CEO, the organization is expanding its capacity to continue serving the needs of food system stakeholders.

The search process was conducted by the firm Carlson Beck, along with a search committee consisting of Gunders and members of ReFED’s Board of Directors.

Burnett will begin her tenure as Executive Director on September 3, 2024.