Randall West Assumes Leadership Role at Mercer Street Friends Citing Commitment to Listening, Learning and Leading

Mercer Street Friends, a nonprofit serving children, families and individuals across Mercer County through food, family and education programs, announced that Randall West has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer effective July 1, following the retirement of CEO Bernie Flynn. West first joined the organization in April 2025, serving as Chief Administrative Officer.

As CEO, West leads Mercer Street Friends’ efforts to expand access to critical resources and opportunities for communities throughout Trenton and Mercer County. His leadership approach is rooted in listening, collaboration and partnership, with a focus on understanding community needs and building upon the organization’s decades of service.

West brings executive leadership experience to Mercer Street Friends. During his career with Ford Motor Company, he served in numerous management roles before becoming Owner and CEO of a dealership based in Mercer County. Throughout his career, West earned a reputation as a collaborative leader, focused on operational excellence while building meaningful community partnerships – these characteristics now guide his work at Mercer Street Friends.

“Stepping into this nonprofit leadership role is a tremendous honor and privilege,” said West. “I have deep respect for Mercer Street Friends’ legacy and the incredible impact this organization has had on the community for decades. I look forward to listening, learning and working alongside our valued team members, volunteers, benefactors and community partners to continue creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.”

West is demonstrating his commitment to Mercer Street Friends’ mission through his involvement in programs such as the Summer Bridge program – a free summer enrichment opportunity available to students as part of Mercer Street Friends’ Community Schools Initiative – that highlights the importance of providing students with continued learning opportunities during the summer months while ensuring families have access to reliable, enriching care.

“Summer Bridge is about more than keeping students busy while they’re off from school,” said West. “It provides enriching educational experiences that broaden their horizons while giving families peace of mind knowing their children are continuing to learn in a safe, supportive environment. When school resumes, students return better prepared for success.”

West also welcomed one of the largest donations to the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank in July as part of the America250 festivities. More than 31,500 pounds of food were donated – equivalent to 26,000 meals. The donation underscores the importance of community partnerships in addressing food insecurity and ensuring families have access to essential resources.

Looking ahead, West plans to focus on strengthening partnerships, engaging with community members and advancing Mercer Street Friends’ mission of nourishing minds and bodies while empowering families and communities.

“The Board of Trustees is proud to welcome Randall as CEO and recognize the impact he has already made since joining the organization,” said Ken Blackwell, Mercer Street Friends Board Chair. “His commitment to our mission and dedication to the communities we serve have already strengthened the nonprofit. We look forward to supporting Randall as he continues building on our foundation and leading Mercer Street Friends into the future.”

About Mercer Street Friends

As a Quaker-affiliated, nonsectarian 501(c)(3) organization, Mercer Street Friends is dedicated to nourishing minds and bodies, empowering families and communities by providing comprehensive programs to address poverty and the physical and emotional trauma it creates for children, families and the community. Their work is focused on three critical areas: food, families and education. To learn more about Mercer Street Friends, visit www.mercerstreetfriends.org.