What does a typical day look like for you as Director of Operations?

One of the things I love most about my role is that there really is no such thing as a “typical” day. My time is split between behind-the-scenes work, like communicating with our vendors, donors, and volunteers, overseeing operational processes and data, and adapting to the needs of the moment.

My favorite part is being able to use my problem-solving skills, whether managing inventory challenges, juggling corporate groups, or fixing the many issues that seem to arise in the middle of everything!

At the end of the day, my job is to make sure the Pantry runs as effectively as possible. I’m here to ensure our incredible team has the support and resources they need to succeed, and that every client who walks through our doors receives efficient, compassionate, and equitable service. Keeping our community cared for is why I’m so proud to do what I do. Seeing the impact we’ve made makes every busy day worth it.

What are you most proud of accomplishing since joining the Pantry? Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re especially excited about?

Debbie Decker, the former Executive Director, and I worked incredibly hard, and put in long hours, along with the building committee and other supporters, to bring our new facility to fruition. Through difficult meetings, permit hold-ups, and construction delays, we continued to believe in the project. I am incredibly proud to have been part of the process from the very beginning!

I’m excited about a couple of upcoming initiatives. First, opening our client services center and expanding outreach to the community. Second, we’re exploring the possibility of expanding our service options for clients. Hopefully, more to come on that soon!

What’s a lesson you’ve learned in leadership that has shaped how you run operations here?

Being a nonprofit leader is a little different from the business world. I owned a start-up manufacturing and sales company for several years, where the focus was sales-driven. But any organization’s success ultimately comes down to its people.

For me, focusing on day-to-day activities, walking the floor, communicating with employees, volunteers, and clients, and making sure they know I am present to support and listen to them is the most important part of leadership.

What drives you to do the work you do for the community?

What drives me is the belief that access to food and basic necessities is a fundamental human right. The disparity between the resources this country has and what many families need motivates me in my work.

To me, being Director of Operations is not just a job, it’s about doing everything I can to ensure that every person we serve feels seen, supported, and nourished.

What’s a fun or surprising fact about you that most people at the Pantry don’t know?

Most people might be surprised to learn that I was once a dedicated classical guitarist. I started at nine years old and was fortunate enough to study in the lineage of Andrés Segovia, one of the greats. I stopped playing in my 20s (much to my family’s chagrin), and now I entertain others by juggling while eating an apple!

And finally, the hardest question of them all: if you had to go into battle with one vegetable, what would it be and why? I'm going with pumpkin. I know it’s technically a fruit, but Gordon Ramsay says it’s a vegetable, so who am I to argue? Give me a trebuchet, and I’ll have both artillery and a post-battle dessert.