Second Harvest announced Monday Chad Higdon is now the food bank’s  Executive Director.

Higdon was serving as an interim director after former director David Davenport’s contract was not renewed.

Higdon was selected after a five month search netting more than 100 applicants. He is a lifelong resident of St Joseph and a Missouri Western Graduate. He has previously served as the chairman of the food banks board of directors.

“I look forward to continuing my work with Second Harvest’s very talented and dedicated staff as I move into this new role, knowing the work being done is benefiting many individuals who truly need our support,” said Higdon.

Around the same time Davenports contract was not renewed, an age discrimination suit was filed against Second Harvest from a woman who once worked at the food bank, and applied for a higher position. The lawsuit names Second Harvest and Davenport and is set for a jury trail early next year.