Executive Director Emeritus

Dr. Nelda K. Pearson is Beans and Rice, Inc.’s visionary founder and Executive Director Emeritus. She served as executive director for 14 years from 1997-2011 without earning a salary. During part of this time she did so while also working full-time as a professor of Sociology at Radford University. Nelda’s volunteer efforts on behalf of low-income children and families earned her state and regional volunteer awards such as the 2000 Virginia Governor’s Community Service and Volunteerism Award, the 2006 Excellence in Virginia Government Community Enhancement Award, and the 2010 New River Valley Leading Lights Neighbors Helping Neighbors award. Nelda served as board president from 2012-2014. Upon leaving the board she was formally named Executive Director Emeritus. Nelda remains involved in special projects and initiatives as requested by the board of directors and executive director.

Executive Director

Eric L. Bucey is a founding member and Beans and Rice, Inc.’s Executive Director. Eric is an experienced community development professional, social entrepreneur, and community-based nonprofit leader who helps volunteers, donors, faith communities, foundations, K-12 education providers, and government agencies participate in local solutions to economic and social problems. He uses his 15 years community development, volunteer management, and grant writing experience to help people and organizations grow their social impact. He connects volunteers, foundations, and donors to hunger relief, capacity building, and asset development programs. In the short-term these solutions meet immediate needs. In the long term, they create social change. Connect with Eric on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/beansandriceed

Board of Directors