Behind all of the visible work that NNEMAP Food Pantry and other nonprofit organizations do in their communities, there are people behind the scenes who take on the very real work of making it all possible. We call them board members. With the new year, NNEMAP is saying goodbye to three talented and valued board members as their terms expire.

Jon Bennett served as NNEMAP Board President during a time of tremendous change. The very makeup of the board transformed from a large group to a small governing board, a complex transition but one necessary for the long-term success of the pantry. Bennett’s tenure as President also saw the organization’s purchase of its first permanent facility, which represented a huge step forward for NNEMAP. Bennett served as Past President for 2016 and will continue to volunteer as a client interviewer.

NNEMAP’s new building came with many challenges. As chair of the Technology, Facilities and Equipment Committee, Bill Blackburn helped us meet those challenges head-on. Blackburn facilitated upgrades to the building’s electrical system; coordinated the construction of a larger entry door to accommodate deliveries; and contributed countless hours to the maintenance and improvement of the facility.

Susi Blackford steps down from the board and Governance Committee after several years of service. Like Bennett, she has witnessed and helped implement tremendous organizational changes during her tenure. “My decade plus years of serving as a volunteer at NNEMAP Pantry have passed in the blink of an eye,” Blackford says. “The changes that have taken place allowed us to serve two and one half times more hungry clients than before,” she continues. “Although I am stepping aside as a Board member I will continue to serve and support NNEMAP,” Blackford pledges. “It is still my mission to do my part in helping feed the hungry in our midst.”

NNEMAP Food Pantry could not exist without the dedication and service of its volunteer board members. With great gratitude, we thank Jon Bennett, Bill Blackford and Susi Blackford for their immense contributions to the success of the organization. They are the everyday heroes who makes things possible.

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NNEMAP is always seeking talented members of the community to fill roles on its Board of Directors and committees. To find out how you can contribute, e-mail info@nnemapfoodpantry.org today!