West Suburban Community Pantry Names New CEO
Suzanne Armato
Woodridge, IL—The Board of Directors of West Suburban Community Pantry has announced the appointment of Suzanne Armato as Chief Executive Officer. Armato has served as Executive Director of the Cancer Support Center, serving Chicago’s south suburbs for the past nine years. She will join the Pantry in her new role on October 1, 2022.
Armato brings a total of 30 years of nonprofit leadership, with strong skills in team building, donor acquisition and financial stewardship. She concentrates on collaboration and leveraging support to maximize resources and effectiveness. Armato holds a BA in Economics with concentration in Public Policy and Sociology from the University of Chicago and an MA in Public Policy from the School of Social Service Administration of the University of Chicago. A resident of Downers Grove, she and her family have been volunteers at West Suburban Community Pantry for the past 20 years.
“We’ve been so moved by how critical the need for food is, and how many ways West Suburban Community Pantry has been able to help,” says Armato. “Community means everything to us, and nutrition is crucial to community mental and physical health, education and employment. Lack of food affects the ability to learn, to work, to function. We have to actively address food insufficiency if our community is to thrive.”
Armato noted that as a child, occasionally her family had to rely on food pantries. “There were times when we kids would go without the free lunch available to us at school, because we didn’t want to be seen as different,” she says. “So, I personally know how important it is to provide dignity and respect along with nutritious foods. What impresses me about WSCP is their holistic approach. They offer food and they collaborate with local resources to offer support services that address the underlying causes of food insufficiency. This comprehensive approach can make a lasting difference.”
“We are very excited to have Sue join the pantry at this critical time in our history. After a lengthy search, the Board was able to find someone who shares our passion to positively impact those around us,” said Board President Kevin Delano. “We are confident she will successfully build on our strong history of serving our community as we continue to navigate the economic and health challenges affecting all of us.”