Javonte McDonald Joins Meals on Wheels of Takoma Park/Silver Spring as Executive Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Matt Mulkey, Director of Communications & Engagement, matt@mowtakoma.org
TAKOMA PARK, Md.—Meals on Wheels of Takoma Park/Silver Spring today announced Javonte McDonald as its new executive director. McDonald will start this week and lead a team of seven employees and more than 200 active volunteers.
“We are thrilled to have Javonte taking the helm as we enter our 56th year of service,” said Daniel Adams, chair of Meals on Wheels’ board of directors. “Javonte has an impressive record of success as a nonprofit executive and a leader for the City of Takoma Park. He is uniquely prepared to grow our reach and impact as more neighbors turn to us for help.”
“I am honored to return to Takoma Park and work alongside the dedicated staff and volunteers that power Meals on Wheels,” McDonald said. “I know how deeply this community values the care, connection, and compassion we bring to homebound adults, and I am excited to develop solutions and partnerships that reduce hunger and social isolation.”
A native of Prince George’s County, McDonald comes to Meals on Wheels with extensive and diverse experience in mission-driven organizations. Most recently, he served as Director of Workforce Development at the Maryland Department of Labor.
Previously, he led the creation of the Healthy Community Center at Ohio State University, raising funds for the Center’s construction and overseeing strategic planning and program development. As executive director at the YMCA of Central Ohio, he managed a capital improvement campaign and launched a community fridge program in partnership with local businesses and food pantries.
From 2017 to 2021, McDonald designed and implemented programs for the City of Takoma Park, with a focus on engaging residents ages 11-24 and unrepresented communities. In this position, he increased participation in the City’s youth programs and established partnerships to provide free child care options.
“Our board, staff, and volunteers are truly grateful to Interim Executive Director Marianne Alicona for her leadership,” Adams added. “She has strengthened our organization and ensured a smooth, successful transition.”
Alicona took the reins from Ruth Masterson, who became executive director in 2018 and departed last September. Masterson led Meals on Wheels through a major expansion of its clients and meals served, staff, facilities, and budget, which surpassed $1 million for the first time in 2025.
Founded in 1971, Meals on Wheels of Takoma Park/Silver Spring annually serves about 215 adults who cannot safely shop for or prepare food themselves due to age, disability, illness, or injury. Any homebound adult residing in the organization’s service area is eligible, regardless of income or age. Meals are made fresh daily and are all diabetic-friendly and heart healthy. Clients may request vegetarian meals and modifications for many food allergies and dietary preferences.
The organization needs about 100 volunteers a week to maintain its reliable service. Volunteers help prepare two meals each weekday in the organization’s Takoma Park kitchen, then deliver them to clients’ homes, conducting wellness checks during their visits. Meals on Wheels offers or coordinates several complementary services to support clients’ health and safety, including free electric fans and heaters, occasional deliveries of nonperishable pantry staples, in-home vaccinations, and fire safety inspections. Community members interested in volunteering can learn more and apply at www.mowtakoma.org/volunteer.
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