Randall West, a highly regarded entrepreneur and business leader with a passion for strengthening communities in need, will succeed the retiring Bernie Flynn as CEO of Mercer Street Friends, effective July 1.
Mercer Street Friends, a nonprofit organization serving families and individuals across Mercer County through food, family and education services.
West joined Mercer Street Friends in April 2025 as Chief Administrative Officer and immersed himself in the organization’s operations, programs and mission, working alongside Flynn to continue to foster a collaborative, goal-driven culture rooted in strategic focus and shared purpose.
Flynn has served as CEO since February 2020, following a long career as the highly regarded leader of NJM Insurance. Flynn will remain involved and support the transition as a member of Mercer Street Friends’ Board of Trustees.
West will put his many years of entrepreneurial and business experience as well as volunteer board service to work for the organization at a time when the need for access to food, vital educational support and family services continues to grow.
He said he is committed to leading with integrity to further Mercer Street Friends’ mission to nourish minds and bodies; empower families and communities.
“I am thrilled to assume this position and will follow the highly successful path forward initiated by Bernie Flynn, that addresses food insecurity throughout the county while helping our youth and their families in our preschool, six community schools and through our parenting programs,” he said.
“Mercer Street Friends has been rooted in Trenton and Mercer County since 1958. It is an honor to work with our outstanding Board of Trustees, staff, and dedicated benefactors to continue our legacy of serving the urgent needs of the community.”
Outside of his role at Mercer Street Friends, West serves on the board of Second Baptist Church in Moorestown and served on the boards of The First Tee of Greater Trenton and the Ford Minority Dealer Association. He was a representative of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers.
Mercer Street Friends Board Chair Kenneth Blackwell said West’s volunteer service reflects a longstanding commitment to strengthening communities through mentorship, service and strategic leadership.
“We welcome Randall as CEO at this pivotal time in our organization’s history,” he said. “Rooted in our Quaker values, and thanks to the exceptional leadership and stewardship of Bernie Flynn, we are embarking on a new chapter that promises our neighbors and partners that we stand together with them to lift up Trenton and Mercer County through food, family and education.”
Flynn said he is thrilled to pass the leadership baton while retaining a connection to the cause.
“Recognizing Randall’s passion for and commitment to community service and our mission, I am pleased he will assume the leadership role at Mercer Street Friends,” he said. “I welcome the opportunity to join the Board of Trustees and lend my support during the transition as our organization begins the next chapter in its long history of serving the people of Mercer County.”
West earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Rutgers University and completed the Advanced Management Education Program at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He and his wife Jaye reside in Moorestown.
