Zach has been working at the food bank for 14 years. Get to know more about him below in our next food banker spotlight!
What do you do at the food bank?
I’m the food bank’s Director of Operations. I direct the programmatic activities of the organization and supervise all day-to-day operations. Part of my job consists of overseeing, inspiring and fostering the growth of the operations team as well as analyzing and improving the operational systems of the food bank. This includes directing all of our processes for inventory and effective food distribution. Another portion of what I do revolves around overseeing all maintenance, advancing our safety initiatives and adhering to all inspections. I am also a part of the senior leadership team, and this role involves creating strategic plans to further the development of this organization and working with my team to execute our goals.
How did you end up in this role?
I first began working for the food bank in 2009 as a part-time Order Selector. Despite having used the food bank’s services before, I didn’t have much knowledge of the organization at the time. At first, I had planned on using this job as a means of supporting myself while I was saving up to move to North Carolina to work at a friend’s surf shop. That year, Hurricane Earl had other ideas, forcing my friend’s family to shut down their business and relocate back to the Midwest. Fortunately, this significantly altered my plans. I made the decision to stay at the food bank a little longer and was hired on full-time. This experience enabled me to fully appreciate the importance of our nonprofit and the arduous effort everyone puts into achieving our mission.
As I began to recognize my own struggles and those of my family in the clients we were helping, this mission started to take on a personal significance for me. I became extremely interested in our organization and wanted to learn everything I could about it. I started shadowing coworkers in various departments, and whenever I could, would step in or offer assistance. I moved into our Mobile Food Pantry department in 2012, where I assisted with the construction, loading and planning of our Mobile Food Pantries.
I believe the moves I made within the operations department and the information I learned with each role was the greatest benefit I could have asked for as I moved into my first leadership position as Inventory Manager in 2014. In 2015 I accepted the position of Operations Manager overseeing the warehouse and our branches. In 2017, I was promoted to my current position of Director of Operations.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
Being able to coach and watch the development of our team members is my favorite aspect of my job. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be in a position to help my team members grow, succeed and develop. I am continually amazed by how our staff—who represent a wide range of personalities and points of view—utilize their talents to collaborate in order to fulfill our mission.
Any standout memories?
There are an abundance of memories that I will cherish and look back on forever. However, one of the more humorous memories that jumps into my mind is Halloween 2017 when we organized a handful of staff members to come into the office dressed as our President and CEO, Ken Estelle.
What motivates you to fight hunger?
I am involved in this mission because I want to help people who are in need. I grew up in an area with a lot of poverty and I saw firsthand how hunger impacted my family, friends and neighbors. I understand that hunger does not discriminate and that anyone can find themselves in need of assistance. Being a part of this mission and being able to help people is what keeps me going.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Most of my free time is spent with my children and my wife. My kids are a year and a half old and I try to be with them as much as I can. My evenings and weekends used to be filled with concerts and festivals, riding motorcycles and nights out with friends. Although I still enjoy all of those things, I prefer the way life is now with Saturday morning cartoons and dance parties in the living room.