Chris Hutson has joined Boulevard Place Food Pantry at a pivotal time: demand is climbing, volunteer energy is strong and the pantry is preparing for what could become its busiest month ever.
Hutson, who began April 13 as co-operations manager alongside Katrina Hawkins, brings decades of experience in food pantry work, nonprofit service, volunteer coordination and business management. At 64, he steps into the role with both deep experience and a strong sense of purpose.
Most recently, he served as executive director of The Lord’s Pantry at Anna’s House, where he helped strengthen food access, community partnerships and volunteer support. He also brings a long history of volunteer leadership, community engagement and relationship building that aligns naturally with Boulevard Place’s mission.
He enters the role with a clear mindset: listen first, learn the system and build on what is already working.
“The base is so strong,” Hutson said. “The volunteers, the people who step up and answer the call, that’s what makes this place work.”
The announcement, which was made by Pantry Interim Director Cindy Brown and Board of Directors Chair Lisa Wilson, came during a month (April 2026) in which Boulevard Place set an all-time monthly record by exceeding 2,000 client households served.
Hutson said he is especially impressed by the pantry’s volunteer structure and the many people who quietly keep the operation moving—from food pickup and stocking to client service, scheduling, communications, facilities and parish support.
“It’s amazing to me,” he says. “Because this person does this, it gets done. Because Katrina does this, it gets done. People are struggling out there, and we can make a difference.”
His background includes more than 25 years of volunteer service connected to Anna’s House and Lucious Newsom. He also served as the Anna’s House Outreach Coordinator for Immaculate Heart of Mary, spending six years on the Anna’s House board. In addition to his nonprofit experience, Hutson owned and later sold a digital print and sign business, giving him a strong background in systems, logistics, customer service and community relationships.
That mix of experience is especially valuable as Boulevard Place continues to serve more households. Hutson said growth is not intimidating, but it does require teamwork, planning and flexibility.
“We can handle it,” Hutson said. “I think the way Boulevard Place is positioned can handle it.”
He also sees an opportunity to support the next stage, including volunteer systems, stronger communication, food sourcing and the many behind-the-scenes details that make each shopping day successful.
His approach is practical and mission-focused.
“You say yes,” Hutson said. “Then you figure out how you’re going to do it.”
For Hutson, the work is personal. A lifelong Indianapolis resident, he lives nearby and sees Boulevard Place as the right fit for this season of his life. He and his wife have been married since 1987, have five children and recently welcomed their first grandchild.
“I’m here at Boulevard Place because I want to be,” Hutson said. “It’s the right place, a good fit, and I think I can bring something to it.”
Most of all, Hutson said he is grateful to be part of a team focused on feeding neighbors with dignity, kindness and care.
“We’re doing phenomenal stuff,” he said. “Let’s embrace that, be positive about the good stuff we’re doing and try to make the hard stuff a little bit better.”
To donate to Boulevard Place Food Pantry directly: bit.ly/givetoBlvd
