Sue Potter, vowing to carry on the organization’s tradition of compassionate community service, has been named executive director of FISH Food Banks of Pierce County.
Potter, whose selection to replace the retired Beth Elliott was announced by the FISH Board of Directors, has more than two decades of experience in the non-profit sector. Most recently, she was director of development and communications for five years for Tacoma-Pierce County Habitat for Humanity.
She replaces Beth Elliott, who retired at the end of 2014 after 11 years as executive director.
Potter praised the work of Elliott “and her team,” noting that FISH is “a solid organization that serves the community with compassion, dignity and respect. I am honored to have been asked to step in and take the organization to its next level.”
FISH has 15 food bank locations in communities such as Graham-South Hill, Spanaway, Elk Plain, Tacoma, Lakewood and and Edgewood. A mobile food bank visits locations in Key Peninsula and Tacoma. Combined, they receive more than 500,000 client visits per year countywide.
The fastest-growing group among FISH clients is people over 55. Many lost jobs in the recession and haven’t found new work, and seniors are often dealing with lack of transportation, functional limitations or health problems, FISH officials said.
Potter credits her parents for inspiring her work in the non-profit sector.
“I grew up in a household where giving back to your community was as important as having food on the table. Caring about others and putting that care into action makes a better and safer world,” she said.