CALO Member Spotlight: Alyssa Cholodofsky, Chief Executive Officer, 412 Food Rescue

Alyssa Cholodofsky joined 412 Food Rescue at a defining moment in the organization’s evolution. Well known, deeply trusted, and widely respected across the Pittsburgh region, 412 Food Rescue had built strong community credibility and demonstrated enormous potential—but it was ready for focused leadership to guide its next phase. She says, “as CEO, my work has centered on strengthening the organization so it can deliver on its mission with greater clarity and sustainability.”

Alyssa stepped into the CEO role bringing extensive experience in nonprofit executive leadership, including senior roles at United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and other human-service and environmental organizations. Her background prepared her to navigate complexity, lead through change, and strengthen organizations for long-term impact. 

Photo courtesy of 412 Food Rescue, Alyssa is shown at the Good Food Project kitchen location in Millvale

At its core, 412 Food Rescue exists to ensure that good food belongs to people, not landfills. Alyssa is deeply committed to advancing the idea that food rescue is not supplemental, but essential—standing alongside traditional food banking as a critical strategy for addressing food insecurity. Alyssa says, “one of my proudest accomplishments has been beginning the work of repositioning the organization to go deeper—rather than simply wider—by reorganizing around purpose, impact, and long-term viability.”

The most challenging—and meaningful—part of this work has been addressing organizational culture. Navigating accountability, expectations, and change requires courage, patience, and growth. One leadership lesson Alyssa continues to refine and share is simple, yet powerful: “clarity truly is kindness.” She believes that direct, honest conversations build trust, prevent frustration, and create healthier teams over time.

Alyssa brings a strong orientation toward execution, project management, and follow-through, paired with a genuine curiosity for systems and strategy. She enjoys the problem-solving nature of leadership—asking “why,” challenging assumptions, and aligning people and purpose. Grounded in relationships, her leadership is guided by values of honesty, clarity, optimism, and perseverance.

Looking ahead, Alyssa envisions 412 Food Rescue stepping more fully into its role as a critical community partner and a national incubator for innovative food rescue approaches across urban, suburban, and rural contexts. With continued investment in organizational culture, storytelling, and financial sustainability, she believes the organization is positioned not just to grow—but to lead.

Alyssa’s leadership has been recognized with the 2024 Outstanding Fundraiser of the Year Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Western Pennsylvania Chapter, and the 2025 Woman of Influence recognition from the Pittsburgh Business Times.

For Alyssa, participation in CALO has been a meaningful source of support and growth.

“I have found tremendous value in being part of the CALO Forum,” she shares. “Being able to speak with a smart and understanding group of leaders about the issues that I am working through in a helpful and supportive environment has assisted me through some very difficult challenges. At the same time, being able to share my own leadership journey and provide meaningful insights to others in our group also provides me with opportunities for growth and deeper relationships with these colleagues.”

She adds, “Our forum members have grown closer each month, and bring openness, thoughtfulness, good humor and genuine care for each other to our meetings. I look forward to our monthly gathering and know that the commitment I make to be there and be present is time well spent.”

We are grateful to Alyssa for her leadership, honesty, and vision—and proud to have her as part of the CALO community.