FreshDirect Names VP, Community and Gov’t Affairs

Online grocer FreshDirect has hired Larry Scott Blackmon as its VP, community and government affairs. In his new role, Blackmon will lead FreshDirect's community and governmental interactions, growing current partnerships and cultivating new relationships.

"As FreshDirect continues to grow in the New York marketplace and beyond, it is important that we deepen and strengthen our relationships in the communities we serve, and Larry is the right person to lead this effort," said EVP and General Counsel Mike Brizel, to whom Blackmon will report. "In particular, as we begin the process of moving to our new location in the Bronx, Larry will be focused on expanding our involvement in the borough that we are excited to soon call our home."

Blackmon will build on FreshDirect's existing community and charitable partnerships relating to such issues as hunger relief, nutrition education and career development. Among the company's current partners are Food Bank for New York City, City Harvest, Philabundance, RED, Food Fight, Drills Build Skills, Brooklyn Workforce Innovations and Fedcap.

"FreshDirect is committed to being a great community partner, and has already taken important steps to develop meaningful relationships in the areas it serves," noted Blackmon, who added that he would be "working closely with local officials and organizations to develop new opportunities to give back, get involved and forge even deeper relationships in the communities we serve."

Joining the e-grocer from the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, where he was deputy commissioner for community outreach, Blackmon has more than 15 years of public service, community development and government experience. Before the Parks Department, he was chief of staff and deputy commissioner for intergovernmental affairs at the New York City Department of Small Business Services. He additionally worked for the New York Jets as the senior manager for public affairs.

Over the course of his career, Blackmon has worked with various elected officials, including former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel.

Long Island City, N.Y.-based FreshDirect delivers premium fresh food and groceries directly to customers in the greater New York, New Jersey and Connecticut metro areas, as well as the greater Philadelphia area, including Delaware.