Foodbanker since 2010
“Food security is a human right and is necessary to attain physical, emotional, mental and even spiritual wellbeing. As a former teacher, I have seen firsthand how the lack of proper nourishment can create a variety of roadblocks for children. I envision a future in which food security is attainable for everyone - and it all starts with a community that cares about the success of all of its members. When we are all healthy, we can accomplish great things and tackle even bigger issues together.”
In 2010, Colleen joined the Foodbank’s team as a grant writer and went on to lead a variety of fundraising and advocacy initiatives. She spearheaded the Foodbank’s Growing for Good Campaign, facilitating an investment of $17.5 million in the regional capacity of the Foodbank. She has also been instrumental in rapid-response fundraising efforts, managing multiple initiatives in response to changes in government funding and other emergencies. Colleen has been a leading voice in the organization’s strategic planning efforts and helped advance the Foodbank’s planned giving program to support the growth of the Foodbank Endowment.
Today, Colleen serves as Chief Development Officer, where she oversees fundraising, marketing, volunteer and community engagement. She continues to champion opportunities for the community to connect with and advance the Foodbank’s mission.
Before joining the Foodbank, Colleen was a community member inspired to contribute through her employer’s participation in Harvest for Hunger, the Foodbank’s largest campaign. Her background spans education, journalism and community engagement. She managed the Newspaper in Education program at the Akron Beacon Journal and led initiatives that engaged young people in community affairs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education language arts from the University of Akron.
Outside of her role at the Foodbank, Colleen is a committed community leader. She has served as chair of the Summit County Emergency Food and Shelter Program, participated in Class XXI of the Summit County Child & Family Leadership Exchange and is a graduate of Leadership Akron, Class 40.
Colleen resides in Medina with her husband, Joel. Their adult son, Van, lives and works in Akron. They enjoy traveling and exploring the great outdoors as a family.