The board of directors and staff of the Missoula Food Bank & Community Center (MFB&CC) are thrilled to announce Amy Allison Thompson as the organization's new Executive Director. Her first day was November 7. Amy is a longtime friend of the food bank, serving for five years as the Executive Director of the Poverello Center and, most recently, as the Clinical Director of the Open Aid Alliance.

"I am so excited to start this next chapter as the Executive Director of Missoula Food Bank & Community Center. I have always been impressed with the food bank's strong staff and volunteers and their commitment to their clients, said Allison Thompson. "I look forward to engaging with the entire team to best address what our community needs right now and ensure we are sustainable moving forward."

Allison Thompson grew up in Havre and earned her bachelor's in psychology and a master's in social work at the University of Montana. Allison Thompson's career has shown a passion for social justice. Whether developing an innovative integrated behavioral health program in Libby, working as an outpatient therapist supervisor in Great Falls, or serving as the Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers, Allison Thompson continually puts the needs and health of those she serves first.

"When I discovered what social work was, it put a label on everything I ever cared about," Allison Thompson explains. "I am deeply concerned about food insecurity. If food needs aren't met, people have a hard time doing anything else."

Amy's time as Executive Director of the Poverello Center saw many accomplishments, such as increasing the operating budget by 35%, navigating two catastrophic and expensive plumbing issues, spearheading the Missoula Coordinated Entry System, facilitating collaboration with a large group of community partners leading to the creation of the Mobile Support Team, and designing and opening the emergency winter shelter for 150 unhoused Missoulians.

"MFB&CC Board of Directors is thrilled to bring Amy into the family, and we look forward to the diverse experience she brings with her," announced Ashley Ostheimer Hilliard, the Board Chair of MFB&CC. "Amy's experience in social justice initiatives and her familiarity with our local communities complement the food bank's commitment to nourishing the community through development, advocacy, and food security."

When she is not working or volunteering, Allison Thompson enjoys spending time with her five-year-old Porter, her husband Evan, and their three dogs. They love rafting, hiking, and camping in the remote corners of Montana.