Food bank sparkplug decides to retire in June
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Food banks were a novel idea here when Joyce Rothermel, then in her 30s, helped found the organization that would become the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Three decades later, it has grown from a fledging pantry into a massive network that serves 11 counties.
She plans to retire in June after 23 years as CEO of the Duquesne-based organization that is one of the most critical safety nets in the region.
"It's mixed emotions obviously, because I have felt very, very privileged to do the work that I have been able to do," she said.
Reached by phone in Florida, where she was attending a conference, Ms. Rothermel, 65, said it was time for a new leader to take the helm.
"My husband is six or seven years older than I," she said. "I just don't want to have any regrets about not taking time to do more things together."
The announcement Thursday was met with bittersweet congratulations from people who have fought hunger alongside her.
"The whole area of Western Pennsylvania should be indebted to her for her leadership and her dedication over these many years," said Sister Liguori Rossner, executive director of the Jubilee Association Inc., a social-service agency that runs a Hill District food pantry.
"She has dedicated her whole life to solving the problem of hunger," said Matthew Swider, chairman of the food bank board. "And the food bank has been a tremendous expression of that passion."
The food bank board has formed a committee of current and former board members to choose Ms. Rothermel's replacement. The board has also hired a local consulting firm, Dewey & Kaye, to assist in the search.
"To find someone that will step in her shoes and carry on will be a real chore and a real task," said former Allegheny County Executive Jim Roddey. "I feel honored that I have worked with her."
"She is forceful and persistent and single-minded in all the right ways," said Ken Regal, co-director of Just Harvest, an organization that helps people apply for food stamps.
A native of Canton, Ohio, Ms. Rothermel moved to Pittsburgh in 1973. Driven by her Roman Catholic faith and the belief that food is a human right, she took up the banner of hunger.
First Published December 3, 2010 12:00 am
