About Us

Paul Clements has spent his career working to feed the hungry. The roots of that passion reach back to his childhood in rural, Alabama, where Paul would help his mother collect fruit from a local farm stand at Thanksgiving and distribute it to those in need. Though Paul was never food insecure, he was aware that his father’s big vegetable garden, and his mom’s carefully planned menus, were an effort to reduce the cost of feeding a family of modest means.

After graduating from the University of South Alabama with degrees in business and public relations, Paul gained valuable experience with two Florida-based hunger-related agencies. At Second Harvest of the Big Bend and Feeding the Gulf Coast, his duties ranged from fundraising and marketing, to operating a multi-location food bank. Paul established strategic partnerships and processes that dramatically expanded the scope and impact of both nonprofits.

Before joining Second Helpings Atlanta, Paul served Whole Foods Market for 10 years as Corporate Citizenship Manager, helping to advance the retailer’s role as a community partner across the U.S. and Canada. As well, he created and launched Nourishing Our Neighborhoods, a global initiative that helped divert nearly 30 million pounds of nutritious food from landfills and provide
millions of nutritious meals.

Those skills, plus past service on the Second Helpings Atlanta board, helped prepare Paul for assuming leadership of SHA in July 2023. He was especially motivated by the volunteers and staff who partner to rescue and deliver more than four million pounds of donated food each year. Says Paul, “Their passion and eagerness to rescue even more food, feed even more families, is a contagious energy I wish everyone could experience.”

Paul and his partner Cameron enjoy spending time with their dogs Olive and rumor. He loves a good hike and relaxes—and learns some fun new skills—by scrolling TikTok.

“Food brings people closer. I picture a family enjoying a nice meal together, keeping nutritious food out of the landfill and forgetting, even briefly, all that’s wrong in the world and in their lives.”

~ Paul Clements

Joining Second Helpings Atlanta is a full-circle moment for Ricky Hyde, our Director of Programs and Operations. “I began my nonprofit career with Hands On Atlanta and was also a client of the Atlanta Community Food Bank at this very location,” Ricky shares. “Every week, I purchased a thousand pounds of food for our Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps after-school programs, and it was such a huge help providing snacks for our students.”

Ricky spearheaded six major initiatives with Hands On Atlanta before continuing his service with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, and the Decatur Education Foundation. After his children were born, he transitioned to a career in graphic design and was one of 150 artists selected to create original sculptures for CowParade Atlanta. Most recently, Ricky taught design thinking, project management, leadership, history, psychology, and visual arts at the Mount Vernon School in Sandy Springs.

Ricky is thrilled to contribute to Second Helpings’ mission of reducing food waste and eliminating hunger in Atlanta. “Food insecurity is close to my heart, and I’m excited to be part of such a dedicated team making such a big impact in our community,” he says.

In his free time, Ricky enjoys hiking, watching movies, and seeing live music with his wife and their four children. Over the years, Ricky’s built hundreds of LEGO sets, climbed mountains in Alaska, and once had a memorable experience of being trapped inside a church organ while it was playing.

Patrick Hedden is one of those people who is happiest and most productive when pursuing several projects at once. The opportunity to professionally multi-task is one of the attractions that led to his position as Communications & Operations Coordinator for Second Helpings Atlanta. His background and experience fit the needs of the dual role to a tee. 

Patrick first learned about SHA while serving as a sustainability officer on an Atlanta-based film set where his duties including educating the crew on recycling and composting. His first role was driving the 26-foot refrigerated box truck and van, safely transporting thousands of pounds of donated food daily. He previously worked in the food service industry as a restaurant manager, trainer and barista. As well, Patrick has achieved skill and experience in communications. The Roswell native attended Georgia Perimeter College and Arizona State University, where he majored in mass communications and media studies. 

Patrick manages the Second Helpings Atlanta fleet and warehouse equipment, as well as planning and implementing social media content that helps tell the nonprofit’s story to the community. Seeing the impact of SHA food rescue initiatives from these two vantage points is the most gratifying part of his job. Patrick and his wife share their home with an aging-cat named Vincent. In his spare time, Patrick enjoys reading and creating artwork.  

 “I was drawn to the SHA model of feeding those in need by rescuing fresh food that would otherwise go to waste, serving people with dignity and respect.” 

~ Patrick Hedden

Working to find big solutions to big problems might be daunting to some. But not to food activist and urban farmer Kwabena Nkromo. The Boston native brings extensive experience in food systems planning and social change to his role as Second Helpings Atlanta Operations Coordinator. 

Kwabena studied plant and soil sciences at Tuskegee University, and agricultural economics at Clemson. His work experience reflects that lifelong commitment to helping individuals and communities develop solutions to food challenges. That includes partnering with housing authorities on increasing food access, and teaching individuals to create backyard market farms. A food blogger, Kwabena is also the founder of a social enterprise consulting firm.

At Second Helpings Atlanta, he helps to plan and execute several of the organization’s largest food collection and distribution events. Among these is Meals with Meaning, where teams of volunteers gather weekly to pack 2,000 meals with fresh, donated ingredients. 

As part of the SHA team, Kwabena appreciates collaborating with others who are “laser-focused on their core mission.” He adds, “We have an excellent solution around ending food waste while attacking hunger. I’m so happy to be part of this journey, including the challenges involved in scaling operations while staying true to our roots.” Married and the father of five, Kwabena believes in the culture and power of food to bring people together.

 “I love to cook and, like many other parents, I’m always looking for ways to sneak vegetables into the mac ‘n cheese. My kids especially like my roasted bok choy!” 

~ Kwabena Nkromo

Sam Shells joined Second Helpings Atlanta as a full-time driver in 2023, bringing years of experience behind the wheel. Born in Alabama and raised in Atlanta’s Vine City neighborhood, Sam first built a career as a mechanic before following his passion for the open road and transitioning to long-haul trucking. Now, he puts his expertise to work ensuring food donations reach those in need safely and efficiently.

When he’s not on the road, Sam enjoys running, biking, participating in his Men’s Group at church, and spending time with his family. Sam is also fond of preparing delicious homemade ginger juice, which he generously shares with his co-workers! Married for 24 years, he brings dedication, warmth, and a strong sense of community to everything he does.

Jon knew he wanted to make philanthropic work his full time job from the moment he started volunteering with his mom at the local children’s centers. From a fairly young age, Jon has been surrounded by a framework of stewardship and service and he continues to hold these values true in his adult life. 

Originally from Cartersville, GA, his love for philanthropy began by delivering meals to a local youth shelter, Advocates for Children. He later interned at the same non-profit as a part of the development team. He obtained his bachelor of science in sociology with a focus in social organization from Kennesaw State University, where he also served on the executive board of Kennesaw Pride Alliance.

After an internship with Advocates for Children, and graduating from Kennesaw State University, Jon started his non-profit career with the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer as the organization’s Development Coordinator. With GAABC, Jon developed and implemented fundraising strategies for the Georgia 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer, managed fundraising elements for the organization’s annual Giving Gala, and managed relationships with a portfolio of donors with a mission-first relationship development strategy. 

Jon is Second Helping Atlanta’s Development Specialist. To Jon, this means being able to connect supporters of the organization even closer to the mission in a fulfilling, productive way. To Jon, fundraising is about developing real relationships – not a yearly email with an ask. Strengthening connections through Atlanta and its metro to help make sure each of our neighbors have a meal they can eat with dignity.

Jon loves to cook, bake bread, try new food spots with his partner, cuddle up with his cat Jones (if he is in a good mood that day); all while simultaneously maintaining the “cool uncle” title with his nieces and nephews.

   Tess Seydel joins Second Helpings Atlanta with a strong passion for supporting food-insecure communities and a deep commitment to making a meaningful difference. She is eager to drive change through advocacy, community engagement, and sustainable solutions. With a diverse background in political organizing, fundraising, and sales, Tess brings a wealth of experience to SHA. Originally from South Carolina, she graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Political Science. Tess worked on several political campaigns in Washington, D.C., and New York City before transitioning to a career in sales after relocating to Atlanta.

Outside of work, Tess enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends, and dog, Teddy. A true animal lover, she has recently developed a passion for birdwatching. Tess also stays actively engaged in her community. Driven by a strong belief in equity and service, she is excited to apply her advocacy and relationship-building expertise to help ensure that no one in the community goes hungry.

HG Gruebmeyer loves working with volunteers! Originally joining the SHA team in 2021, HG has a strong commitment to deepening relationships with volunteers, donors and community partners. Originally from Western North Carolina, food was an integral part of HG’s life from an early age. “My comfort foods are definitely southern – biscuits, green beens, pimento cheese! All the best stuff.” 

HG moved to Atlanta in 2016 to attend Emory University, eventually receiving his Bachelors in Creative Writing. While in school, he organized volunteers for his fraternity, and became increasingly involved in creating volunteer opportunities across the city. While working in the restaurant industry during the pandemic, he noticed increasing food waste, while also more and more of his community began experiencing food insecurity. 

“Working with SHA volunteers is especially rewarding because it’s people from all over the city who are donating sometimes 30 minutes, sometimes a few hours of their week to make sure their neighbors have what they need.” 

Outside of work, HG loves to read, walk, cook, go to dance shows and spend time with his friends. He lives in Kirkwood with his dog Myles and cat Sophie. 

“Changing the world is difficult! But volunteers do it in small and big ways every day. Whether that’s packing a huge grocery donation into a tiny hatchback or incorporating a quick prepared food pickup into their morning routine, I’m constantly inspired by their dedication to making our city healthier and more sustainable.” 

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