Mothers' Milk Bank California (MMBCA), a leading nonprofit dedicated to providing screened, donated human milk to babies in need, has announced the addition of three community leaders to its Board of Directors. This strategic move is set to bolster the organization's efforts in ensuring that every infant has access to essential nutrition, particularly those most vulnerable. The new board members, each bringing unique skills and experiences, are Kristin, Senior Director of Development and Communications at the National Fragile X Foundation; Peter Bailinson, a San Francisco-based entrepreneur with a background in social impact organizations; and Lauren Morgan, a nonprofit professional currently working in Program Operations at the Energy Foundation.
Katie Anderson, Board Chair of MMBCA, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments, stating that their diverse backgrounds and shared dedication to supporting vulnerable infants will strengthen efforts to provide life-saving donor human milk to those who need it most. Kristin brings over two decades of experience in fundraising, non-profit management, event planning, and board and volunteer development. Her background in economics and public administration is expected to contribute significantly to MMBCA's strategic planning and outreach efforts. Peter Bailinson's entrepreneurial spirit and experience in social impact organizations, combined with his passion for making it easier for Americans to start and grow families, aligns closely with MMBCA's mission. His extensive research on human milk sharing is particularly relevant to the organization's goals.
Lauren Morgan's journey with MMBCA began as a milk donor, giving hundreds of ounces of breast milk. Her experience in scaling nonprofits and managing youth programs brings a valuable perspective to the board. Her personal connection to the cause as a former donor adds a unique dimension to her role. The appointment of these new board members comes at a crucial time for MMBCA, which has been at the forefront of providing donor human milk for 50 years. As a founding member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), MMBCA has played a pivotal role in setting standards for nonprofit milk banks across North America.
The organization's work in collecting, pasteurizing, and distributing safe human milk to hospitals and families is vital for ensuring essential nutrition for infants who might otherwise not have access to breast milk. This is particularly critical for premature or sick infants in neonatal intensive care units, where human milk can be life-saving. The expansion of the board is expected to enhance MMBCA's capacity to meet the growing demand for donor human milk. With the new members' diverse skill sets, the organization is better positioned to address challenges in fundraising, strategic planning, and community outreach.
As the importance of human milk for infant health gains more recognition, organizations like MMBCA play an increasingly crucial role in public health. The new board members' collective expertise is expected to drive innovation in milk banking practices, improve access to donor milk, and potentially influence policy decisions related to infant nutrition. For more information about Mothers' Milk Bank California and its mission, interested parties can visit https://MothersMilk.org. The organization continues to welcome support from the community, whether through milk donation, financial contributions, or volunteer efforts, all aimed at ensuring that every baby has the best possible start in life.
