The Puyallup Food Bank Announces Departure of CEO Dean Johnson
The Puyallup Food Bank announced on Tuesday, March 2nd, the early departure of CEO Dean Johnson. “The food bank wishes Dean well and we appreciate his service to the food bank,” shared Board Chair Anna Madden.
The food bank is currently identifying a search firm to lead the process of selecting its new CEO whom it expects to announce later this spring.
Vice-chair and strategic planning committee chair Al Culver is confident the food bank can navigate this transition with very little disruption to services. “In this last year we have moved locations twice, doubled, then tripled our capacity, added staff and kept our clients fed, all during the most difficult season our organization has ever encountered in our nearly 50-year history. Through it all our giving partners have remained strong and we never turned anyone away.”
Madden agreed. “I have been at the food bank for twelve years. In addition to the typical stories we hear, we are seeing new clients who had never considered coming to the food bank until now. They are desperate. Food supply and demand have changed so much, but we remain committed to making sure everyone who visits our door will get the nutritious food their family needs.”
The food bank was recently operating out of the old Safeway building on East Main. They also distribute to other local food pantries in need from the Puyallup Fairgrounds, and they are in the planning stages for renovating more warehouse space in downtown Puyallup.
In addition to hiring a top executive search firm, the food bank will put in place an interim leadership team to guide the daily operations of the food bank during the search. They will continue to rely on the increased donations and volunteers who have helped them serve their growing client base. If you have an interest in serving, or you have any questions about the Puyallup Food Bank, please contact Christine Olsen at christine@puyallupfoodbank.org.
