The Board of Directors of the Aurora Food Pantry has appointed Katie Arko as the new executive director. Arko has worked in a leadership capacity at non-profits in Aurora for more than 30 years. Most recently, at the Aurora Food Pantry, she has served as the senior director of Development for three years, and interim executive director for the last four months. Arko served as the vice president of Development at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora for 17 years, and prior to that as executive director of the Rush-Copley Foundation.
“I am truly humbled to be given this opportunity. This is a critical time, as the need for food assistance continues to increase. I’ve had a front-row view of families struggling to put food on the table. And I’m extremely proud of the work done by the pantry staff, volunteers, and board of directors, continuing to feed 1,300 families every single week. I cannot wait to continue our efforts to find inventive ways to reach those in need. And to every donor who supports the pantry year-round, we couldn’t do it without you.”
From the chair of the board of directors, Christi Meixner, “We are thrilled that Katie accepted our offer to lead the pantry as executive director. Her prior experience, compassion, and constant upbeat and giving spirit will help the pantry continue to feed our community’s most vulnerable.”
— Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry