The Provincial Association of Food Banks Welcomes Shawna Bissell To The Helm
To our valued members, partners, and staff,
Food Banks Alberta wishes to take this opportunity to announce the departure of Arianna Scott from the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Food Banks Alberta, and the appointment of Shawna Bissell to the role of Executive Director with the Association.
Shawna comes to the Association with a wealth of experience in the nonprofit sector, most currently as Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Leduc, a position she has held since 2013. Shawna joins the organization with a Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of Alberta, and a Master’s Degree in Work, Organization, and Leadership from Athabasca University.
Professionally, Shawna has developed positive and productive relationships with both the public and private sectors and has maintained strong interpersonal relationships with her internal team, with most senior staff members remaining with the organization for seven or more years. Shawna is committed to working in partnership with each Food Bank, recognizing their unique environments and communities, and supporting them to reach their individual and collective goals.
Shawna has a passion for creativity, a skill that is vitally important in the nonprofit sector, as well as a deep understanding of the role of philanthropy and fundraising as it relates to organizational and operational stability. In her role as Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club, Shawna has raised 84% of organizational revenue through fundraising, donations, grants, and sponsorship.
Personally, Shawna has been connected to the Leduc Food Bank in a variety of capacities, serving as a board member, volunteer, and community stakeholder with the organization. As such, Shawna has a demonstrated understanding of the impact food banks have on the communities they support and looks forward to further strengthening the position of the Association within Alberta.
Please join us in welcoming Shawna to this new role. We are confident that she will continue with the legacy that has made Food Banks Alberta what it is today and will continue to offer support for our membership for whom we serve. Shawna looks forward to connecting with all members, stakeholders, and the community at large in the coming months. Shawna will begin her tenure with the Association on August 28, 2023.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we want to thank Arianna for her four years of service to Food Banks Alberta. Arianna remains deeply committed to ending food insecurity within Canadian communities and promoting the integral role of food banking as a social service embedded within our province and our nation. We have no doubt that her future will continue along the path of this advocacy in which she is so ingrained, and wish her continued success in her future endeavors.
Please direct any questions about this announcement via email to Shannon Donogh, Food Banks Alberta Media Relations: hello@caffeinatedcommunications.ca.
Sincerely,
Eric Motuzas
Board Chair, Food Banks Alberta
