TEALE HARDEN (she/her)
Executive Director
Before becoming Executive Director in July of 2023, Teale joined the Alameda Food Bank in 2019 as the Program Manager. Her years of managing the volunteer and client experiences at the Alameda Food Bank have allowed her insight to better represent those utilizing our services when working with our community partners including Alameda Unified School District, Village of Love, Alameda Housing Authority and more.
Prior to joining the Alameda Food Bank Team, Teale worked for Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association where, among other tasks, she helped manage the Alameda Farmers’ Market on Tuesdays. Teale is excited to strengthen old connections and form new ones within the Alameda community while exploring a new facet of the food system.
She holds a degree in Sustainable Food and Bioenergy Systems from Montana State University and enjoys hiking and eating her way through the East Bay in her free time.
PATTY APPLE (she/they)
Program Manager
As a fierce advocate for food justice, Patty Apple is dedicated to building community through food. With over ten years of experience running Bay Area farmers’ markets, championing local food recovery programs, and participating in Slow Food East Bay’s leadership committee, Patty brings their love of creating equitable access to tasty food to the figurative (and literal!) Alameda Food Bank table.
Patty’s insatiable curiosity for the world leads them to relish any opportunity to meet new people and try new things. When not baking colorful cakes at home, you can find them munching on market produce near and far, soaking in natural hot springs or playing tennis at the local courts.
Josh England (he/him)
Warehouse Manager
Josh loves food! When he’s not thinking about eating it, he’s thinking about its journey through the supply chain. Prior to Alameda Food Bank, Josh worked in warehousing and logistics for a local favorite coffee company.  Josh jumped at the opportunity to marry his supply chain knowledge with advocacy for individuals who are food insecure on the island community of Alameda.
Josh was born in San Leandro, CA and currently resides there with his partner and daughter (who also really love food!). When he’s not thinking about food, he’s thinking about riding bikes and playing music with his band.
Ali Savage (she/her)
Development Manager
For Ali, food has always been more than nourishment – it’s a way to build relationships, care for others, and create community. She is deeply committed to ensuring everyone has access to nourishing, delicious food, which supports more than just physical wellness – it nurtures mental and emotional well-being, while encouraging connection.
Ali spent eight years working in development at Alameda County Community Food Bank before joining Downtown Alameda, where she led engaging community events and built strong connections with local businesses and organizations. Ultimately, her dedication to food justice brought her back to food banking, and she’s excited to continue that work at Alameda Food Bank.
A lifelong East Bay resident and member of the Alameda community, Ali enjoys spending time with her husband and kiddos, baking sourdough, reading, and going on weekend camping adventures with friends.
FELIX JIN (he/they)
Program Coordinator
Felix understands the importance of affordable and healthy food, having once been a client of the Alameda Food Bank. In his role as Program Coordinator, Felix assists in organizing volunteers to ensure that food distributions are successful. He enjoys playing video games, discovering new hobbies, and watching movies in his free time.Â
Richard Kong (he/him)
Warehouse Coordinator
Starting off pushing carts and restocking produce as a volunteer at the Alameda Food Bank, Richard initially joined the team in 2021 to better serve the Food Bank’s mission of providing nourishing food to the community. Raised in a low-income household, he recognizes that nutrient-dense foods are an essential factor to a healthy life. With work experience centered on warehousing and non-profits, he strives to create a welcoming experience to all who visit the Alameda Food Bank.
In his free time he is doing his best to be a good dog dad and procrastinating. His joys in life include taking siestas and eating hot pot with the family.
Fun fact about Richard: there is a very tiny rock embedded in his forehead.
Our Board
Craig Hotti, Retired Creative Director
For 33 years Craig owned Pen to Pixels, Inc., a video production company serving Fortune 500 clients such as Apple, Hyundai, Honda, Amazon, Allergan and Juniper Networks. A graduate of Alameda High and the University of Southern California, and an Alameda Elk, Craig has been volunteering with AFB since 2015.
“Not having enough to eat affects every aspect of your life, that’s why I got involved with AFB.”
Catherine Gacad-Chief Revenue Office
Catherine’s parents immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines. A proud native Alamedan, Catherine is so grateful to have grown up here and is deeply committed to fostering a sense of community and ensuring everyone has access to basic needs.
“I’m honored to contribute to the Alameda Food Bank’s vital mission and to work with such a dedicated team. Together, we’re creating a stronger, more compassionate community where everyone can thrive.”
Linda Crabbe, Retired ER Physician
Linda started volunteering at the Food Bank after retiring and moving to Alameda in 2013.
“No one should have to go to bed hungry.”
Scott Wang, Fintech Partnerships
Scott spent a decade working for banks serving the tech ecosystem before joining the economy as an operator. Scott and his wife, Lin, moved to Alameda in 2018 from San Francisco and have two young boys. Community service has always been core to Scott’s DNA and he’s passionate about the AFB’s mission to feed the community.
“I’m grateful to give back to the community I love and proud to work alongside a team of amazing people.”
Thuy Nguyen, Self-Employed
As immigrants to the US in 1975, Thuy and her family have first-hand experience living paycheck-to-paycheck with food insecurity. A long-time Alameda resident, she’s been involved with the Alameda Food Bank since 2014.
“No one, especially children, should go hungry in this rich country.”
Lisa Zenner, Software Development Program Manager
Alameda resident for more than 20 years, Lisa raised her two children in Alameda and discovered volunteering as a great way to engage in the community. As AFB Fundraising Committee lead, Lisa crafts video thank you’s to acknowledge donations.
“No one should go hungry in our community. I’m honored to bear witness to the myriad ways Islanders help Islanders during this chaotic time”
Alison Aubrejuan, Lawyer
Alison and her family moved to Alameda in 2006, and she and her family have volunteered at AFB since 2015.
“Everyone deserves to have enough to eat. As part of the Alameda community, I want to help make sure that our neighbors do not go hungry.”
Margie Benziger, Retired Public Relations Executive
Margie and her husband arrived in Alameda in 2018 aboard their 47′ sailboat after completing an eight-year circumnavigation.
“Hunger knows no boundaries even in the richest country in the world. I believe in giving back to my community and the AFB allows me the privilege of service.”
Noel Wise, Aspiring Baker
Noël and her family have lived on the island for more than 25 years, and have volunteered with AFB for more than a decade.  She began her career as a high school English teacher and later worked for more than 20 years as a lawyer.  She was raised in a family that valued public service, and where the kitchen was the heart of the home.
“Access to nutritious food is the foundation to healthy families and communities. AFB and its committed volunteers ensure that every family in our community has reliable access to nourishing food.”
Donna Duhe, Retired Marketing & Development Professional
Donna is a  proud Oakland native who grew up with 5 brothers – an experience that sharpened her confidence and competitive edge early on. She spent 20 years in sales and marketing in corporate america before transitioning into mission-driven leadership, retiring as an executive with the American Red Cross. Today, Donna channels her experience, passion , and people-first mindset into giving back, staying deeply committed to community, service, and making a meaningful impact.
“I believe access to healthy, reliable food is fundamental to a thriving community. I am honored to support the mission of the Alameda Food Bank and help strengthen and expand its reach to those who need it most.”
Betsy Burton, Retired Scientist
Born and raised in Iowa, Betsy has lived in the East Bay for over 20 years and moved to Alameda with her family in 2021. She has been a weekly volunteer at the Alameda Food Bank since early 2023. A retired scientist who spent her career developing oncology therapeutics, she is now a co-founder of a guaranteed minimum income initiative serving rural communities.
“I often tell my kids, ‘We have everything we need,’ and that it’s important to help others get what they need too. For me, the Alameda Food Bank embodies that belief by nourishing our neighbors with care and dignity.”
Claudette Carrillo-Tyler, Go-to-Market Strategy Manager
Claudette has spent more than 25 years leading payment and treasury initiatives within large financial institutions, driving commercialization strategy and partnering with sales teams to deliver meaningful client impact. She has lived in Alameda since 2003, where she raised her daughter, a proud Alameda High School graduate who is now attending college. Claudette is passionate about mentorship and community involvement, supporting high school students on their path to college and volunteering locally in her community.
“I believe everyone deserves access to healthy food and to feel supported by their community. I love volunteering there and helping create a welcoming experience that puts smiles on the faces of the shoppers we serve.”
Becca Perata, Public Affairs Consultant
Becca grew up in Alameda and started her public affairs practice in 2001 to create advocacy and drive awareness for issues and causes impacting Alameda and other Bay Area communities.
“True community means everyone is nourished and supported. Â Alameda Food Bank has built a culture of dignity and respect to better serve Alameda’s food insecure residents.”