AIO Hires First Executive Director
Joe Ryan, AIO Executive Director
Rockland, Maine (February 20, 2021) – AIO Food & Energy Assistance is proud to announce the appointment of Joe Ryan as its first Executive Director. Established in 1990, AIO provides nutritious food and energy assistance throughout Knox County. Access to AIO’s Food Assistance Programs is more critical than ever as food insecurity in Knox County is projected to increase 46% overall. Child food insecurity is projected to reach 28%. AIO’s Energy Assistance Program helps households with heating or electricity. Low-income residents spend proportionally more of their household finances on utilities, an average energy burden of 19% (average energy burden is 6%) leaving a lot less for rent, food, medical and other critical expenses.
“I am so excited about the opportunity to help guide AIO’s remarkable development and importance to the community we serve,” says Ryan. “AIO is taking innovative, creative, and effective action to help those who are food and energy insecure with compassion and dignity. I am proud to be part of such a dedicated team of volunteers and staff.”
Joe has been AIO’s warehouse manager for the past year and comes to the organization with decades of business and non-profit experience in the community. He was instrumental in shifting AIO’s operations from the old location to the new building in the Rockland Industrial Park. His innovative approach to serving clients during the pandemic has been critical as safety has been the top concern. AIO’s operations never ceased, and more people are being helped. Joe has established multiple shifts of volunteers to meet the growing need and to provide more food, more often.
“Joe is the right person for the inaugural Executive Director position. While his skills and experience are well suited for this leadership role, his passion and commitment to our mission will help AIO stand as a model for community assistance throughout Maine and beyond”, said AIO Board of Directors President Liz Jenkins. “We are thrilled to have him at the helm, and proud of the unanimous vote to select Joe as our first Executive Director.”
Joe and Ginny Ryan owned Adventure Advertising in Rockport, Maine for over 35 years. Both have been active in many community non-profit organizations, utilizing the skills and capabilities of their marketing and design company to assist in operations and fundraising campaigns. “We have been fortunate to be able to meaningfully participate in our community through our business,” Joe said. “This next step in my career will allow me a more immediate and intimate connection to the community and will enable me to help bring others together to do the important work of assuring everyone has the food and energy assistance they need.
Joe can be contacted at joe@aiofoodpantry.org
About AIO Food and Energy Assistance Services:
AIO Food distribution is provided by drive-up pickup on Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 am-12:00 pm and Wednesday 4:30-6:30 pm. Energy Assistance is available by telephone (207-596-1043) on Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00am-12:30pm and Monday 1:00-4:00pm. AIO Weekend Meal kits are available by signing up through your school. To learn more about AIO’s programs please visit aiofoodpantry.org