Our Leadership

Megan Karch, Chief Executive Officer

Since she came to FareStart in 2000, Megan has been an instrumental part of FareStart’s significant expansion, paving the way for a broader impact on homelessness in King County—including increasing the number of individuals served by 400 percent, growing business revenues from .8M to 6M, purchasing and renovating a new $12.8M facility, and launching a national expansion effort resulting in over 60 members. In 2016 alone, more than 800,000 meals were prepared and served to adults and children in need, and 261 individuals graduated from FareStart’s culinary training program, with 91 percent of adult graduates achieving employment within 90 days.

Under Megan’s leadership, FareStart has received many prestigious awards including the Downtown Seattle Association’s “2007 Champion” award, the Mayor’s “End Hunger” award, Seattle Human Services Coalition’s “Organization of the Year,” the Alliance for Nonprofits’ “Evergreen Award,” Seattle Business Magazine's 2016 Community Impact  "Nonprofit of the Year" award and the James Beard Foundation’s 2011 “Humanitarian of the Year” award.

Megan has served as board president of the Alliance of Non Profits, board president of NPower, board member of the Metropolitan Improvement District (MID), executive board member of the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA), was on the Impact Assessment Committee for Washington Women’s Foundation, and as a member of the Governor’s State Advisory Board on Homelessness.

In 2005, Karch was named one of the “40 Under 40” by the Puget Sound Business Journal, and in 2007 was voted one of the top 20 Women of Influence in Puget Sound. In 2011 Megan was recognized as one of ten “Women of Valor” by Senator Maria Cantwell and in 2012 won Executive Excellence award by Seattle Business  Magazine. In 2013, she was recognized by Seattle Met in their annual Light A Fire Awards as an “Extraordinary Executive Director.” In 2017, she was one recipient of the Women's University Club Foundation's Brava! Award.

Prior to joining FareStart, Megan lived in the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area where she held the position of Vice President of Vocational Services for Humanim, a nonprofit human services agency. In her free time, she enjoys a host of outdoor activities including sailing, cycling and skiing.

Michelle McDaniel, Chief Development Officer

Michelle McDaniel joined FareStart in 2013, overseeing fundraising, marketing, communications, community engagement and volunteer services for the organization's local and national programs. In addition to her role at FareStart, Michelle enjoys volunteering at local non-profits, including serving on the Boards of Crisis Clinic and Boomtown Café.

Just prior to joining FareStart, Michelle was the Regional Chief Development Officer at the American Red Cross, Western Washington Chapters.

Having spent her "first" career as a mental health professional working with adults and youth, Michelle has a passion for ensuring the well-being of our most vulnerable community members.

Michelle has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a Masters in Business Administration.