Port Angeles Food Bank copes without executive director at helm

PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles Food Bank is without an executive director, but it is still operating during its usual hours, board members said.

The food bank at 402 S. Valley St. has been without a director since Josie Gilbeck left the position.

Her departure was “effective near the first of the month,” said Bill Koenig Jr., board president.

Applications for her replacement are being accepted, he said.

Board members and volunteers are handling management duties in the meantime, he said.

“We’re still there for everyone who needs the food,” said Koenig, who also is the sales manager of Koenig Chevrolet Subaru in Port Angeles.

Koenig and board member Tammy Gallagher, who was at the food bank Thursday, both declined to comment on Gilbeck’s departure.

“I don’t want to discuss any of that stuff,” Koenig said.

“We’re doing a reorganization,” he had said earlier.

“She is no longer there.”

Gallagher said the food bank closed for the first week of the year as part of new efforts to reorganize its staffing but is now open as usual.

Both Koenig and Gallagher declined to provide further details.

Gilbeck couldn’t be reached for comment.

Gilbeck was made permanent executive director of the food bank in April 2009.

She had served as interim director since December 2008, replacing longtime director Mikki Saunders.

The food bank is open for distribution Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Anyone interested in applying for the director’s position can phone 360-797-3090.

________

Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.

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