Nancy Wiersum, Executive Vice President of Advancement for Loaves & Fishes Community Services, is set to retire on February 28, 2025, after serving in the position for eight years. During that time, Wiersum played a key role in successfully funding the addition of a second building, expansion into four counties, and a substantial rise in the number of clients being served. She will be succeeded by Megan Lynch, who will become the Executive Vice President of Advancement effective March 1, 2025. After her retirement, Wiersum will continue to be engaged as an active member of the Loaves & Fishes Community Advisory Council.

“It has truly been an unbelievable honor and privilege to work alongside some of the most talented and inspiring people I’ve ever met,” said Wiersum. “Together, our amazing staff, devoted volunteers, and generous community have provided vital assistance to tens of thousands of families.”

“Nancy has had such a big impact on Loaves & Fishes and our community. She has a long list of accomplishments, and she is one of the most talented people that I have ever worked with,” said Mike Havala, President & CEO of Loaves & Fishes.

“Fortunately, Nancy and I developed a succession plan for her quite some time ago, and we were able to execute on that through hiring Megan Lynch last year,” said Mike Havala. “We look forward to what Megan’s leadership will bring to our next chapter.”

About Loaves & Fishes Community Services 

Loaves & Fishes Community Services is a registered 501(3) organization serving more than 10,000 people a week by providing healthy food and impactful programs for self-sufficiency. It is one of the largest food pantries in the state of Illinois. Clients receive a healthy variety of food, including fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, and eggs. The Loaves & Fishes CARES programs help clients become self-sufficient through opportunities such as emergency assistance for rent or utilities, assistance with public benefits, car donations, tax preparation, job readiness, budget, and credit classes, and Moving Up, a 20-session intensive to help clients overcome barriers preventing them from becoming self-sufficient. Loaves & Fishes serves DuPage, Will, Kane, and Kendall counties. Loaves & Fishes Grocery Market and administrative offices are located in Naperville, and their Food Distribution Hub is located in Aurora. For more information, visit loaves-fishes.org.