Santa Monica, CA – August 28, 2025 – Meals on Wheels West is proud to announce the appointment of Kaylee Hawkins as its new Executive Director. Hawkins, a seasoned nonprofit leader with more than a decade of experience driving community-based programs, brings a strong record of strategic growth, fundraising, and coalition-building to the organization.
Hawkins previously served as Director of the Pacific Region for Best Friends Animal Society, where she spearheaded statewide initiatives, secured transformational funding — including a $50 million grant to improve lifesaving in California’s animal shelters — and built coalitions that improved outcomes for underserved communities. Most recently, she led urgent care expansion efforts at VCA Animal Hospitals, developing outreach strategies that strengthened local partnerships and improved access to care.
Hawkins succeeds Chris Baca, who has been at the helm of Meals on Wheels West since 2014. During his tenure, Chris has not only built strong relationships with several local and national organizations but also produced a 249% growth and expanded the service area to include Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Venice, and Marina del Rey. The Board expresses its deep gratitude to Baca for his years of service and stewardship and wishes him a rewarding and fulfilling retirement.
“Kaylee is a dynamic leader whose career reflects both vision and compassion,” said Leonard Lanzi, Chair of the Meals on Wheels West Board of Directors. “Her experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and cross-sector partnerships will be invaluable as we expand our mission of delivering not just meals, but independence, dignity, and human connection to our homebound neighbors.”
As Executive Director, Hawkins will lead Meals on Wheels West in advancing its mission to provide vital nutrition, social connection, and support services to homebound individuals across Santa Monica and the Westside.
“I’m honored to join Meals on Wheels West and serve the community I call home,” said Hawkins. “This organization is a lifeline for so many, and I’m excited to work alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters to grow our impact and ensure every neighbor feels nourished and seen.”
About Meals on Wheels West
Meals on Wheels West is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, health, and independence of homebound neighbors by delivering nutritious meals and supportive services. Serving Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Topanga, and Venice, Meals on Wheels West empowers individuals to live independently with dignity in their own homes.