FRANKLIN, TN — One Generation Away (OneGenAway) is strengthening its mission to fight food insecurity across the Southeast with the addition of Erin Letson as its new Alabama Development Manager.
Letson joins OneGenAway as the nonprofit continues to grow its footprint across Alabama, Tennessee, Florida and beyond. In 2024 alone, OneGenAway distributed over 10.5 million pounds of food — equivalent to 8.7 million meals — to families facing food insecurity through its mobile food pantries.
Erin Letson
Letson brings nearly two decades of marketing, fundraising and community engagement experience to the role. A native of Niles, Michigan, and a graduate of the University of North Alabama (UNA), her career reflects a passion for building relationships and serving others.
“Erin’s heart for people combined with her expertise in development and community building makes her a perfect fit to help us grow our mission in Alabama,” said Chris Whitney, Founder and CEO of OneGenAway.
Letson’s career began in the marketing department at Bank Independent, where she spent 17 years. As Community Engagement Officer, she launched programs and initiatives that continue to serve the community today.
In 2018, Letson returned to her alma mater, UNA, managing corporate and private foundation relationships in higher education advancement. She went on to serve as Marketing Project Manager at Kadince and later as Vice President of Sales for WordCom.
Beyond her professional roles, Letson has remained deeply engaged in volunteer and board service, serving organizations such as the American Heart Association, Saint Joseph Regional Catholic School, TEDxWilson Park, United Way of Northwest Shoals and the Junior League of The Shoals, where she served as Public Relations Chair. She also continues to serve her alma mater as an adjunct professor.
“I’ve always believed that lasting impact happens at the local level — when people come together to care for their neighbors,” said Letson. “Joining the OneGenAway team gives me the opportunity to be part of that kind of transformational work across Alabama.”
Letson is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) – a credential that recognizes experience, professionalism and a heart for ethical fundraising. She lives in Florence, Alabama, with her husband, Joel, and their son, Kayden-Reed.
OneGenAway is preparing for four upcoming mobile pantries in Alabama, beginning with Athens Middle School in Athens, Alabama, on Saturday, June 28. If you are interested in volunteering or are in need of food, visit onegenaway.com to learn more. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to OneGenAway, visit onegenaway.com/donate.
ABOUT ONEGENAWAY: One Generation Away is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has pursued its vision of wiping hunger off the face of America, growing its service capacity from 150,700 meals shared in its first full year, 2014, to just over 8.7 million meals in 2024. Founded by Chris and Elaine Whitney, OneGenAway rescues high-quality, surplus food from grocery stores, restaurants, farms, and caterers and redistributes that food to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
Media Release/Miriam Cresswell /Sheridan Public Relations
