Patty Bixel, Executive Director
Passionate volunteer coordinator, overseeing food purchasing and donations, community outreach efforts and engagement, to ensure we offer the best services.
Star Fish, Inc.
Board of Directors
Our Board is made up of volunteers who dedicate their time in service to the families in Plainfield who are in need of emergency food. Sarah Mazzarese, Kathleen Nitzsche, Catherine Renga, Jerry Zukowski, Patty Bixel, and Michael Townley pose in this photo.
The Board was recently expanded by two new members, Avril Lecky and Jason Thomas, who add valuable insights into our decision-making.
Areas of responsibility for each member are highlighted below.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Dedicated volunteers working together to serve our community, ensuring no family goes hungry in Plainfield.
Michael Townley, Secretary
Dedicated volunteer who serves as records custodian, webmaster, and newsletter editor, working to assure donors are informed and thanked.
Kathleen Nitzsche, Treasurer
Committed to managing our finances so Star Fish is poised to meet needs with adequate funding, Kathleen is also a regular weekly volunteer.
Catherine Renga, Holiday Food Director
Catherine has been involved with Star Fish since its inception over 50 years ago. She is Director of the Holiday Food Project where Gift Cards are distributed to families to enable them to purchase foods they want and need for holidays.
Eelco Swaak, Logistics Director
Manages the flow of food to the storeroom or to the pantry as needed to better position our food packers as they prepare bags for families in need. Regular weekly volunteer.
Jerry Zukowski, Procurement Director
Responsible for managing food purchases needed to maintain inventory to match demand, with a focus on securing resources to help sustain our pantry's operations and support families. Regular weekly volunteer.
Avril Lecky
Avril recently joined the Board as an at-large member. She is representative of the dedicated volunteers who serve at our Tuesday and Thursday food packaging events and is valued for her imput.
Jason Thomas
Jason also recently joined the Board as an at-large member. He brings his perspective to Board meetings and decision-making and is a valued member.