Rhinelander Area Food Pantry announces leadership changes

The Board of Directors of the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry has a announced a change in leadership positions.  

Guy Hansen, who has been the face of the food pantry and served as executive director for the past 18 years, has decided to pull back on his day-to-day involvement at the pantry, the board announced in a press release. 

“The good news is that he will remain in an important leadership role as Chairperson of the Board of Directors,” the release states. “Guy also intends to remain active in RAFP activities such as the Garden Fresh Salad Bowl and the Harvest Hoedown.”

Hansen

Courtney Smith will now take on the full responsibilities of the executive director position. Smith joined the RAFP staff in 2020 and has been the associate executive director for the past two years. 

“With Courtney’s leadership, programs like the Hodag Food Wagon and Hodag Snack Attack have proven to be popular additions to the Weekend Food For Kids (WFFK) program as RAFP works hard to develop more ways to provide healthy nourishment for our area youth,” the release states. 

“Courtney has over 20 years experience working in nonprofit management and programming. Along with her skills and experience, she brings a passion for nourishing people and her community.”

Malisa Vinger, food pantry coordinator, was hired in 2022 and continues in her role of managing everything from inventory to volunteers. Vinger has an extensive background in retail food management and an interest in giving back to her community.

The RAFP is excited to continue to work towards our mission of creating food security for everyone in our community as we move into 2024, the release states.