Cooperstown Food Pantry is pleased to welcome Valerie Jackson as Executive Director.
Ms. Jackson will be responsible for the overall operation of the Cooperstown Food Pantry’s programs, community engagement, and fundraising, as well as working with staff and volunteers to ensure successful day-to-day operations and positive client experiences. She will work closely with the Board to facilitate the growth and forward movement of the organization and implementation of board vision and strategy. In her previous position as Nutrition Outreach and Education Program Coordinator at Catholic Charities in Oneonta, she assisted food-insecure families with SNAP benefits and connected them with local food pantries and social service referrals.
Jackson succeeds Will Kleffner, who has been with the Pantry for four years.
Board President Sharon Oberriter said, “We are so pleased to have Valerie as Will’s successor. She shares our passion for caring for our neighbors. Her former role in the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program has given her essential insights and understanding of the needs of the neighbors we serve in our mission of dealing with food security. Valerie’s strong relationships with our staff and collaborative relationships with our fellow food pantries, county agencies, and local nonprofits can only continue to strengthen our programs at a time when our families are increasingly challenged to provide for their needs.”
Jackson said, “I welcome the opportunity to help direct the Cooperstown Food Pantry in addressing poverty and hunger in the region and to continue to grow as a model organization for community food security.”
Oberriter said the organization is very grateful to Will Kleffner for his incredible success in moving the mission forward and wish him much success as he moves to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York as Senior Director of Grants.