Melissa Sobolik has spent the last 18 years fighting hunger in North Dakota, but has done so most recently as CEO of the Great Plains Food Bank. Though she grew up in the tiny town of Courtney, ND, Fargo has been her home for nearly two decades—a place where she built a legacy rooted in community, compassion, and determination.
A Nonprofit Journey That Almost Wasn’t
Melissa didn’t set out to run a food bank. With a political science degree from Concordia College in Moorhead and minors in sociology and philosophy, she had her sights set on law school and a political career. She even ran for the Fargo City Commission and served a four-year term. But before politics could take hold, she took a job at the food bank. One year turned into nearly two decades.
“I never thought a nonprofit would be for me,” she said, “but this is where I found my home.”
Leading With Heart
For the past four years, Melissa has led the Great Plains Food Bank as its CEO. Her leadership has been marked by strategic growth, compassionate advocacy, and an unwavering belief that hunger is a solvable problem. But leading a nonprofit comes with challenges—from constant fundraising, to navigating limited budgets, to the emotional weight of knowing that food insecurity still persists.
A New Chapter in Rhode Island
Now, Melissa is packing up and heading east to become CEO of a statewide food bank in Rhode Island. While the geography is smaller, the organization is larger with more food, more staff, and more impact. One feature she’s particularly excited about is their commercial kitchen, which provides hot meals directly to people in need.
“I’m excited to dig into that and share those learnings back with North Dakota.”
Even as she leaves, she’s keeping one foot rooted in Fargo. She plans to maintain connections with the team and community that helped shape her career
The Legacy She Leaves Behind
Melissa isn’t just leaving a job; she’s leaving a legacy. Over the years, she’s helped transform the food bank into a force for good, staffed with people she personally selected for their smarts and heart.
“They can run circles around me,” she laughed. “But that’s the point.”
What she’ll miss most? The people. “It’s going to be hard to leave this community. It feels like home.”
Advice for the Next Generation
For those considering a career in nonprofits, Melissa offers this: “Don’t rule it out. It’s rewarding in ways you can’t imagine. Even on the worst days, you go home knowing you helped someone.”
And politics? While she encourages others to get involved, she acknowledges how much the landscape has changed. “We need good people to run. But I understand why people don’t.”
Still, she hasn’t ruled out a return to public service: “It’s in my blood.”
The Bigger Picture
Melissa doesn’t have a five-step plan for her future. What she has is curiosity, energy, and a desire to solve big problems.
“I’m always looking for the next bold idea,” she said. Whether it’s hunger relief or another cause, she knows she belongs in the nonprofit world—a place where change is slow but real, and where impact happens one meal, one family, one community at a time.
Outside the Office
When she’s not leading food security efforts, Melissa is exploring the world. She aims for at least one international trip a year and keeps her calendar full of domestic getaways, too. Back home, she spends time with her two rescue golden retrievers and her circle of close friends.
And while her dogs have never seen the ocean (or even a lake), they’re headed for a new adventure with Melissa. “They’ll adapt,” she said. “Our pack is staying together.”
A Farewell, Not a Goodbye
Melissa Sobolik may be heading east, but her heart will always be rooted in Fargo. The Great Plains Food Bank will continue its mission with the foundation she helped build—one of integrity, heart, and community-first leadership.
Great Plains Food Bank
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