Meet the Team
Pantry staff members are dedicated to feeding and clothing our neighbors and champion treating people with dignity and respect. Reach out to staff with any questions, concerns, or just to say hello!
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Ryan Bobst
Executive Director
Ryan grew up in Park View, Iowa, and received his Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa, where he'd later become an Adjunct Instructor. He is an anti-poverty advocate with 10+ years of experience, and is excited to serve as a neighbor helping neighbors. Ryan lives in Iowa City with his wife, daughter, and son.
Leslie alvarez
Director of Operations
Leslie grew up in Cedar Rapids and went to Loras College. She lives in North Liberty with her husband, son, and dog. Leslie's passions lie in people helping people. In her free time, she likes to be with her family and friends outdoors camping, hiking, or boating. She works to grow the services offered by the Pantry to meet the needs of our community.
casey gaylord
Volunteer Coordinator
Casey is from Davenport and went to the University of Iowa for Communication Studies. Casey found his passion for supporting those facing food insecurity through volunteering at food pantries, where he was able to build meaningful relationships with families, meet them where they were at, support them unconditionally. In his free time, Casey cheers on the Hawkeyes, plays drums or guitar, and volleyball.
Rae mosier
Family Services Coordinator
Rae started at the Pantry as a volunteer in 2015 and has always loved working directly with families we serve. When she's not connecting families with resources, Rae is a "Data Nerd" and loves to assemble Pantry reports. She attended Indian Hills Community College for Computer Programming and Systems Analysis. Rae loves biking, travel, reading, and spending time with her family and fur babies.
Anne miller
Special Projects Coordinator
Anne grew up in Lisbon and studied English and Journalism at the University of Iowa and received her Master’s of Divinity from Duke University. Before joining the Pantry, Anne worked with underprivileged populations and found her passion for helping others, striving for to build more equitable communities. She enjoys spending time with family, the outdoors, and creative writing.
Grace katzer
Marketing & Development Coordinator
Grace is from Spencer and started as an AmeriCorps member at the Pantry in 2022. She joined the team full-time upon her graduation from the University of Iowa School of Journalism in 2025. Grace loves working with families and volunteers to share impactful stories in the day-to-day life at the Pantry. Outside of work, Grace is likely walking around the city with friends, looking for a sweet treat, or at home writing a story.
Our Board of Directors
Allison Bates, Past Chair – Capital Campaign Committee
Abdouramane Bila, Treasurer – Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Building Committee
Judy Bornkessel – Fundraising & Marketing Committee, Volunteer Support Committee
Beau Brown – Building Committee
Britta Cavinder – Garden Committee
Samantha Fordyce, Vice Chair – Executive Committee, Fundraising & Marketing Committee
Micah Ariel James, Board Chair – Executive Committee
Jon Maakestad – Operations Committee, Church Relations Committee
Lauren McDonald, Recorder – Executive Committee, Volunteer Support Committee
Judy McRoberts – Building Committee
Lori Meyer – Fundraising & Marketing Committee
Jason Mosier – Operations Committee
Erek Sittig – Volunteer Support Committee, Building Committee
Midora Slaughter – Fundraising & Marketing Committee