The Franklin Food Pantry, a private, nonprofit organization offering supplemental food assistance to more than 1,300 individuals per year, is pleased to announce the addition of Jim Barton, Amber Baur, Oona Harrington, and David Stott to the board of directors. The newly elected members hold a variety of backgrounds and expertise in business, civic, and nonprofit leadership, and will strengthen the governance and oversight of The Pantry, which recently moved to a new building at 341 W Central Street, Franklin, Massachusetts.
“As we enter The Pantry's next phase in our new home, it is critical to enlist additional leadership to help guide and deliver enhanced programs and services,” said Rachel Flum, Chair, Board of Directors, Franklin Food Pantry. “On behalf of the board, I am thrilled to welcome Jim, Amber, Oona, and David whose diverse perspectives and expertise will serve our neighbors and town well."
Jim Barton co-owns Allegra Marketing Print Mail in Franklin. He previously spent more than 20 years working as a sales and marketing executive in the consumer electronics industry. Jim prioritizes community involvement and supports numerous local businesses and nonprofits including SAFE Coalition, the Franklin Cultural Council, and Foster Care Essentials. He is a graduate of Bridgewater State University and resides in Medway, Massachusetts.
Amber Baur is a demonstrated strong senior leader with more than 30 years in operations, service management, and employee development. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration. She finds great joy in helping others through volunteering at the Franklin Food Pantry, coaching Franklin Youth Soccer, and being a docent at Southwick’s Zoo. She and her family reside in Franklin.
Oona Harrington is passionate about creating inclusive and equitable environments and supports individuals and teams through her work in talent strategy and operations. Oona volunteers as a mentor for her company’s Women’s Business Resource Group and is a senior mentor for The Valedictorian Project. She also volunteers at Franklin Public Schools serving as a sub-committee member, co-chair for the Weekend Backpack Program, and as a parent representative on the school council. Oona earned an undergraduate degree from Boston University and a graduate degree from Babson College. Oona and her family reside in Franklin.
David Stott is Senior Vice President, General Counsel at Sensata Technologies, an NYSE-listed industrial technology company. He practiced corporate law with private law firms in New York City, London, and Houston. David previously served on the Governance Committee of the Food Pantry Board. He and his family reside in Franklin.
The four new board members will serve three-year terms, increasing the volunteer-led team to eleven individuals. To support the Franklin Food Pantry’s daily operations, or to provide support for the non- profit’s new building campaign, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.
About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. As a private, nonprofit organization, we depend on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other strategic partners.
We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantries, emergency food bags, and holiday meal packages.
The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.
