Paul Clements – Sponsor – Arthur Orekyeh (02/05/2026)

Paul Clements is a dedicated leader in hunger relief and food waste reduction, with a career spanning more than two decades. His passion for combating food insecurity was cultivated early in his life in rural Alabama, where he witnessed the profound impact of small acts of kindness. As a child, Paul joined his mother in gathering and distributing fruits to neighbors in need, experiences that instilled in him a lifelong commitment to serving others.
Paul earned degrees in business and public relations from the University of South Alabama, laying the foundation for his career in nonprofit leadership. His professional journey began with roles at Second Harvest of the Big Bend and Feeding the Gulf Coast, where he managed fundraising, marketing, and multi-location food bank operations. Paul’s strategic initiatives expanded the reach and impact of both organizations, enabling them to serve more communities effectively.
Before joining Second Helpings Atlanta, Paul spent a decade at Whole Foods Market, where he led the retailer’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives across the United States, Canada and the U.K. Notably, he spearheaded the Nourishing Our Neighborhoods global initiative, which diverted nearly 30 million pounds of surplus food from landfills and provided millions of nutritious meals to underserved communities. His work at Whole Foods demonstrated his ability to drive impactful change on a global scale.
As Executive Director of Second Helpings Atlanta, Paul has transformed the organization through innovative leadership and strategic planning. Under his guidance, the organization has ended the past two fiscal years with budget surpluses, reflecting strong financial stewardship. Paul oversaw the launch of the Field to Fork pilot program, which rescues surplus produce from Georgia farmers, increasing access to fresh, healthy food for those in need while supporting local agriculture.
Paul’s tenure at Second Helpings Atlanta has also been marked by significant operational improvements. He expanded the network of food donors to include more restaurants, diversified fundraising efforts by hiring dedicated development staff, and implemented new technologies to enhance routing, volunteer engagement, and reporting. These advancements have streamlined operations, improved efficiency, and positioned the organization for long-term scalable growth.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul is deeply committed to fostering a supportive and empowered workplace. He has prioritized strengthening employee benefits, ensuring that his team is equipped to carry out the organization’s mission with passion and dedication.
Paul Clements’ leadership continues to drive Second Helpings Atlanta’s mission of ending hunger and reducing food waste. His vision and innovative approach have not only elevated the organization but also created a meaningful impact on the communities it serves across the Atlanta metro area.