After nearly six months without an executive director, the Ballard Food Bank has hired local resident Nancy McKinnon to lead the agency.

McKinnon brings experience in non-profit agency accounting and most recently was the interim accountant at the Pike Place Market Senior Center and food bank.

"I have a lot of non-profit skills to offer. I will use all the stuff I've learned to lead the agency. It's a collaboration working with the community, volunteers and staff to pull it all together," said McKinnon.

"The hiring committee of the Ballard Food Bank Board really felt that Nancy excels in direct communication. She is very personable and focused on our shared goals for the (Ballard Food Bank). In addition to her strong skills in non-profit finance and management, she has a real heart for what the (Ballard Food Bank) does. She has been a long-time resident of Ballard and knows the community well. We really feel like she is the best person to come in and help organize us in our mission to help our neighbors in need," said Board President Monica Myers Greenberg.

There no plans to make any major changes to the food bank operation. McKinnon's does want to get young people even more involved.

Her first project is starting food drives at Salmon Bay School, Adams Elementary, Ballard High and Whittier Elementary's Camp Fire group.

A long term goal is looking for a new facility and McKinnon's wish list includes a property owner donating space, probably in a more industrial area.

The current food bank is too small for the growing operation that serves more than 500 households in Ballard, Queen Anne and Magnolia each month. A meal program takes place at Calvary Lutheran Church.

The Ballard Food Bank is also unique, compared to other city food banks in that it serves as a mail stop for those without a permanent address, operates a clothing bank and hygiene facility.

"They (clients) feel the clothing bank is a lifesaver for them. They get everything here, rather than having to run around the city. It's very unusual in the food bank world. It's a vital part of the mission, neighbors helping neighbors," said McKinnon.

"I'm real excited about the challenge. I'm looking forward to working with the community as a whole," said McKinnon.

As the new director, McKinnon says she is fortunate to inherit a strong Board of Directors. Volunteers are another important aspect of the food bank and she has been getting acquainted with them.

Lou Mushta is one such volunteer who comes in once a week to cut meat. "I think it is a good cause," he said.

Evelyn Gardner has been donating her time three days a week for 13 years. She comes in with her daughter Sharon Hubert. "There place has a wonderful people feel. You are doing something for the community," Gardner said.

In her first nine days on the job, McKinnon was pleased to see some parents bringing in their children with donations.

"I've seen dozens of kids bringing in money they collected," said McKinnon.

McKinnon's commute to work is short one. She lives four blocks away with a son Linton Rowen and step-daughter Kelsie Milsteadt enrolled at Ballard High and a daughter Grace Rowen at Nathan Hale.

Visit http://www.ballardfoodbank.org for more information.