John Bailey to depart Regina Food Bank for position at Economic Development Regina

Regina Food Bank CEO John Bailey.

John Bailey, the CEO and president of the Regina Food Bank, will be moving on to work with Economic Development Regina (EDR).

Bailey, who has served as the Regina Food Bank’s CEO since April 1, 2019, will be departing the organization in early March, with a transition plan being developed by the board.

In a social media post on Friday, the food bank praised the work Bailey has accomplished throughout his time with the organization, having transformed it into a hub that feeds thousands of families.

“We have built a lot with his leadership. The BMO Asahtowikamik Community Food Hub didn’t happen because of a good idea, it happened because John and the team treats every person who walks through our doors with dignity,” the post read.

“John has stewarded our mission from the early dark days of the pandemic when food insecurity doubled overnight to becoming a national leader.”

The food bank wished him well in its post, noting that its mission and work will continue the way it did under his leadership.

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“John is our friend. He cares. We care. We wish him well and pledge to show up every day without fail to dream big, work hard, and feed our city, just as he did!”

Bailey has been named the next CEO and president of Economic Development Regina, a position to begin in March.

His appointment at EDR follows the departure of Chris Lane in August of 2025, who left after three years to work with Saskatchewan Trade and Export Development.

“Following an extensive search, the board is very pleased to welcome John Bailey as the new leader of Economic Development Regina,” Darren Howden, Board Chair of EDR said in an update. “As a respected community leader, John is well-positioned to advance the organization’s mandate and support Regina’s continued economic growth.