Least of These executive director exits

Last edited 12:42 p.m., March 14, 2025 [Editor's note: Additional information has been included.]

Ozark-based Least of These Inc. this morning announced the exit of Executive Director Kristy Carter.

An employee with the nonprofit for 10 years, Carter served as its leader since 2020, according to a news release. Least of These operates a food pantry in Christian County.

Jacqué Breedlove-Harness, director of community relations for Least of These, said via email that "Kristy Carter is moving to a new role within our community that provides an excellent opportunity for her and her family."

Breedlove-Harness said Carter remains at Least of These "for a short timeframe." Least of These has scheduled a noon-2 p.m. event on March 19 at the food pantry "to celebrate Carter’s service," the release states.

"We are deeply grateful for Kristy’s dedication to the people of Christian County and her commitment to ensuring no one in our community goes hungry," said Mike Osborn, past board president, in the release. "Her leadership has made a lasting impact and, while we will miss her guidance, we are excited to build upon the strong foundation currently in place."

The Least of These board has appointed Michele Pierce, the nonprofit's director of client services, as transitional administrator. Breedlove-Harness said Pierce, the board and other staff members will work on finding a successor for Carter.

Carter was interim executive director of Lease of These starting in early 2020 before taking on the role on a permanent basis, according to past reporting. Before that, she was the nonprofit's director of development for nearly five years.

Least of These, which has a nearly $5 million operating budget and around seven employees, was founded in 1998, according to past reporting.