President and CEO
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada (30 years in Nevada)
Type of Business: Charity | Hails from: The Dalles, OR | Less than 6 months with company in Nevada | Based in: McCarran, NV
How did you first get into your profession?
I was an unemployed teacher and started driving a truck for a food bank. I became captivated by the fact that so much food was going to waste while so many of our neighbors were facing hunger.
What do you want your legacy to be?
That I helped many families facing hunger in their time of greatest need.
What is your pet peeve?
That more people don’t see the clear connection between hunger and so many of our societal problems. Poor diets impact health, the ability to learn, a person’s ability to socialize, a person’s energy and one’s self-esteem.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be?
Centerfielder for the S.F. Giants.
What business advice would you give someone just starting in your industry?
Follow your passion. If you want to work for a non-profit, make sure it’s an organization with a mission you believe in. Make sure the organization is highly ethical and is committed to doing the right things. Finally, understand that doing good is hard work, and you have to balance your passion with a businesslike approach.
What is a little-known fact about yourself?
I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro when I was much younger.
What do you wish you would have learned at the beginning of your career?
That just because someone disagrees with you, or doesn’t see things the same way, doesn’t mean they are wrong.
What is the best moment of your career?
I had the privilege of coordinating the Hurricane Katrina Relief effort at Feeding America, our national organization. I worked with so many great people, and we did some great work to help so many families. We were recognized in the Times-Picayune for “getting it right”.
What is your motto?
Do one thing at a time, do it well and then move on. This is what I tell myself when I’m feeling stuck or ineffective.
What is your favorite thing about living in Nevada?
So far, it’s a tie between the people, especially those I work with, and the scenery. I love working with good folks, and I love the mountains.
