Ryan Bobst has been named the new executive director of the North Liberty Community Pantry. He previously served as the strategic initiatives and grants manager at Humility Homes & Services, Inc.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ryan as our new executive director,” said Allison Bates, chair of the North Liberty Community Pantry’s Board of Directors, in a news release. “Ryan is joining us at a pivotal time as demand for services is high and opportunities for growth are abundant. Given his extensive and successful grant writing history and great communication skills, we are excited for a bright future.”
Mr. Bobst has more than 10 years of experience in nonprofit leadership. He is an anti-poverty advocate whose previous efforts have focused on affordable housing, early childhood education and job training. Mr. Bobst, who received his master’s degree in social work from the University of Iowa, also has taught undergraduate and graduate level courses as an adjunct instructor with the University of Iowa School of Social Work.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to step into this role with the North Liberty Community Pantry at this critical point in time. The pantry’s legacy with the First United Methodist Church, longtime volunteers and supporters, and excellent staff provide a strong foundation to build upon and meet the future needs of families in North Liberty and surrounding communities,” said Mr. Bobst. “I’m excited to serve as a neighbor helping neighbors.”
Mr. Bobst began working on June 26 and community members are invited to meet him at the pantry’s annual Taste, Tour & Tribute. The event will be held at the pantry, 89 N. Jones Blvd. in North Liberty, on Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Along with showing appreciation for the dedicated volunteers, the evening is a celebration of the Growing Together Garden’s harvest. The event is free and open to all in the community.
The North Liberty Community Pantry is an outreach ministry of the North Liberty First United Methodist Church that serves North Liberty and the surrounding rural areas of Johnson County. The pantry serves over 700 local families and annually distributes more than 400,000 pounds of material goods including food, toiletries, laundry detergent and clothing.
