Billie Scruse

Executive Director

Hartford Food System, Inc.

Encore!Connecticut Alumna

Billie C. Scruse, M.P.A., Executive Director at Hartford Food System, Inc. (HFS), has been in her current position since January of this year. HFS is dedicated to finding long term solutions for access to affordable and healthy food in the City of Hartford. The overall goal is to work towards a more equitable and just food system. Billie will engage more residents and community stakeholders, expand the capacity for new programs, develop investor support, and increase HFS’s donor base.  She is responsible for a staff of seven employees and works closely with the HFS Board of Directors. She brings over 25 years of diverse experience in communications, education, broadcast media, strategic planning, and organizational development. Her prior positions have given her the opportunity to provide her talents to a wide variety of landmark institutions. Most recently, youth program development for the YMCA of Greater Hartford and the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education. Some of her other positions include press secretary for the City of Hartford in the Mayor’s Office, a former spokeswoman and adjunct professor at Capital Community College. For over 10 years combined Ms. Scruse held the position of Communications Officer for two state agencies, the CT. Department of Social Services and CT. Department of Public Health.

Active in her community and her church, Ms. Scruse has served on several boards and committees often in a leadership position and/or elected officer role.