Meals on Wheels West has named board chair Len Lanzi as interim executive director, the Santa Monica-based nonprofit announced Sept. 17, following the departure of Kaylee Hawkins.

Hawkins joined the organization in August 2025 and left to take a new leadership position in the nonprofit sector. During her tenure, the organization established its first-ever waitlist for home-delivered meals.

Lanzi brings more than 30 years of nonprofit management and fundraising experience to the interim post, according to the organization. As board chair, he oversaw strategic planning and financial governance.

"Leadership may change, but our mission does not," Lanzi said in the announcement. "We will continue delivering more than a meal."

The nonprofit delivered more than 200,000 meals last year to a record number of clients across Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, Del Rey, Pacific Palisades and Malibu. It has served L.A. County's coastal communities since 1974.

The organization created a waitlist for the first time in November 2025, and nearly 100 seniors were waiting for a meal slot as of August, the Argonaut News reported. The median age of current clients is 78. Nearly eight in 10 live with a disability, and 83% cannot cook safely for themselves. For about half of clients, the Meals on Wheels volunteer is one of the only people checking on them.

In that Aug. 14 Argonaut article, Hawkins described the challenge facing homebound seniors, saying many Santa Monica neighbors don't realize Meals on Wheels is not fully funded by insurance companies or the government.

Board member Rob Sherman said the priority during the transition is continuity. He thanked Hawkins for her service and said the board will share details on the search for a permanent executive director when available.

Lanzi said his immediate focus is supporting staff and volunteers, maintaining donor and community partner relationships, and keeping operations stable. No timeline or search firm has been announced for the permanent hire.