Published: March 12, 2008 10:44 am      

Tessaro taking step down from helm

San Marcos — “Will Work For Food.”

That could be a sign for the down-and-out, but it’s also a characteristic the next director of the Hays County Area Food Bank should have.

Pat Tessaro, who has served at the helm of the agency for the past eight years, is stepping back to a part-time position, she announced this week; though she intends to continue to represent the agency in community relations.

“I have two elderly parents,” she said, who need her care. “Now’s the time to do that.”

Jane Hughson, president of the food bank’s board of directors, acknowledged the “phenomenal” growth rate the non-profit has seen in recent years. “We need to expand our staff in response,” she said, adding that Tessaro’s new emphasis on community relations “will allow us to focus on the priorities of building awareness about hunger issues and our mission in the community, leaving the new executive director to work on expanding services and our volunteer program.”

Hughson said applications will be accepted through March 31 and the agency is seeking “a self-directed and motivated person with experience in non-profit management.”

“Working at the food bank is rewarding,” Tessaro said. “Knowing that an elderly person or a little child had something to eat today because you did your job well is quite satisfying.”

For more on the food bank call 392-8300 or visit haysfoodbank.org.