George Kelemen

As the Senior Vice President for Partnerships, Campaigns, and Advocacy, George oversees our strategies to end childhood hunger in the United States through partnerships, campaigns, and government relations. He is responsible for all advocacy efforts on state and federal legislative priorities; the direction and implementation of our state-based No Kid Hungry campaigns; and our coalition building efforts with nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations to increase participation in the federal nutrition programs. 

George brings over 25 years of association, advocacy and coalition-building experience at the local, state, and federal levels. Before joining Share Our Strength, he served as Executive Director of the Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies (iCERT). Previously, he was CEO of The Texas Retailers Association and held advocacy leadership roles with Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA), the American Cancer Society Cancer Action NetworK (ACS CAN) and AARP. 

Originally from Houston, George began his career working in Texas, in various political and government affairs roles, as well as in state government. He has spent most of the past 20 years working at the national level and maintains a network of bipartisan contacts and relationships in Washington, DC and across the US. George is a graduate of the University of Houston, with a bachelor’s degree in political science, and he has native fluency in Spanish. George and his family live in Austin, Texas. 

What's your "why"? Being a servant leader and man for others are my “why.” Family and mentors throughout my life have reinforced these values and guided me.

My idea of fun is: Sports, whether it's cheering on my favorite teams, or watching my kids compete athletically.