Welcome Our New Executive Director

January 26, 2021

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Hires Tanis Crosby as Executive Director

After More Than 32 Years of Leadership, Paul Ash is Retiring

San Francisco and San Rafael, CA (January 26, 2021) – The Board of Directors of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank hired Tanis Crosby to serve as the organization’s new Executive Director starting January 11, 2021.

Paul Ash is retiring after more than 32 years of leadership. Paul initially planned to retire last year, but due to the unprecedented events of 2020, agreed to stay on to help the Food Bank adapt and respond to the impacts of the pandemic. Going forward Paul will serve as an advisor and consultant to Tanis and the Food Bank as needed.

“During Paul’s three decades of leadership at the Food Bank, the organization’s food distribution increased from just three million pounds of food to 67 million pounds, ensuring hundreds of thousands of Bay Area families had access to food,” said Scott Brubaker, Board Chair of The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. “We are grateful for Paul’s commitment to the Food Bank and the people of San Francisco and Marin. The full extent of his impact is truly immeasurable; he leaves behind an enduring legacy.”

Tanis Crosby previously served as a leader in the YWCA movement for almost 20 years, most recently the CEO of the combined YWCA Silicon Valley and YWCA San Francisco & Marin. Tanis has dedicated her career to advancing the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. She brings a deep understanding of the root causes of food insecurity to the Food Bank’s mission to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin. Her energy, passion, and dedication will help lead this organization into a transformational next chapter.

“The mission of the Food Bank is critical now more than ever. The pandemic has left many of our neighbors out of work and struggling to feed their families, while crystalizing what we already knew to be true – hunger exacerbates inequities like racial injustice and poverty. We are here to end hunger, to do that we must not only address current demand, but also work together to end the underlying causes of hunger,” said Tanis Crosby, Executive Director, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. “I’m honored and excited to be part of advancing that mission.”

This is a unique and challenging time in the Food Bank’s history. The need for a strong social safety net has never been more apparent. Under Tanis’ leadership, the Food Bank will remain committed to providing food to all our neighbors who need it most and advocating for stronger policies around food security.

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ABOUT THE SAN FRANCISCO-MARIN FOOD BANK

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin. Before the pandemic, one in five neighbors was at risk of hunger. We envision a community where everyone can obtain enough nutritious food in a dignified manner to support the health and well-being of themselves and their families. We address hunger head on – from our pantry network and home-delivered groceries to our nutrition-education classes and CalFresh enrollment, and we work in many ways to nourish and serve neighbors in need. Every week, 55,000 households count on us for food assistance. Nearly 60 percent of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more at www.sfmfoodbank.org.

MEDIA CONTACT

Keely Hopkins, Communications and Social Media Manager

O: 415-282-1900, ext. 292 | C: 415-792-8346

khopkins@sfmfoodbank.org