Mainebiz

V O L . X X X I I N O. V I M A R C H 2 3 , 2 0 2 6 26 ainebiz: How would you describe your leadership style? Heather Paquette: My leadership style is a people-first approach. At Good Shepherd Food Bank, that translates into spending as much time as I can with our team and partners, listening, asking questions, and figuring out how to help them be successful. I truly believe you're only as good as the people around you, and I'm incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by people who are deeply committed to our mission. NONPROFIT LEADER OF THE YEAR Heather Paquette President, Good Shepherd Food Bank Heather Paquette took over as president of Good Shepherd Food Bank in 2023, after more than two decades with Hannaford Supermarkets, where she was vice president of retail services and managed store support across five states. After taking over Good Shepherd during the lingering effects of the pandemic, she and the nonprofit faced one of their biggest tests in the past year, after the federal government cut SNAP benefits. Good Shepherd stepped in to ensure that Mainers in need continued to have access to healthy food. Good Shepherd Food Bank gsfb.org 3121 Hotel Road, Auburn What it does: Good Shepherd Food Bank is the largest hunger- relief organization in Maine, overseeing the sourcing and equitable distribution of food across a network of 600 partner food pantries, meal sites, schools and health care centers. Founded: 1981 Employees: 96 Volunteers: 1,000 Hunger relief is a team effort Heather Paquette leads by listening B Y T I N A F I S C H E R P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY M

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