Robyn Burns
Executive Director
Robyn Burns is an experienced leader with a focus on community food systems, food access and education. Robyn's previous role was as Director of Programs for CitySprouts and prior to that The Food Project. She holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Systems from Slippery Rock University and an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Management & Leadership from Boston University. She is a Salem resident and has been with the Pantry since March of 2020.
Hannah Beth Hembree
Development Officer
Hannah Beth Hembree is dedicated to fighting hunger on the North Shore. Hannah Beth has experience in fundraising, marketing, and communication. She served as an AmeriCorp VISTA and, before that, worked as a museum manager. She holds a Master's degree in Nonprofit Management from Shorter University. Originally from South Georgia, she is new to Salem and has been with the Pantry since September 2021.
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Mercedes Isyak
Administrative Assistant
Mercedes Isyak has experience in administration, customer service, insurance, as well as coordination of personnel and heavy equipment installations in the private sector. Originally from Ecuador, S. America, Mercedes is bilingual in both English and Spanish. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from The University of Phoenix and has been with The Salem Pantry since December of 2021.
Samantha Johanson
Manager of Operations
Samantha Johanson has extensive experience in operations, administration and project management for both non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Samantha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and Journalism from Westfield State College and has been with the Pantry since December of 2019.
Photo: Jennifer Percy
Mike Lilley
Distribution Specialist
Mike Lilley is an experienced leader and manager in public, private, and nonprofit organizations. Mike is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, served as the Deputy Director of a strategic planning organization near Washington DC, was Vice President of Sales and Marketing at an IT startup in Beverly, and is currently the pastor of King of Peace church, here in Salem. Mike has a Masters of Divinity from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. He lives in Salem with his wife Enza, their youngest son Ethan, and the family’s dog, Grace.
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Fred Norton
Food Acquisition & Distribution Manager
Fred Norton ran transportation for the Salem Council on Aging for five years and has continued to work with the Friends of the Council on aging in fundraising for them. He was also the assistant manager for Meals on wheels for Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop Elder Services. He lives in Salem and has done grant writing and logistics for different agencies and is very excited to be a part of the Salem pantry team.