Host Len Beyea interviews Willy Elliott-McCrea and Suzanne Willis of Second Harvest Food Bank upon the 50th Anniversary of the food bank’s founding (the first in California and second in the nation), Willy Elliott-McCrea’s 44 years with the organization and his retirement this month, the 50th anniversary Open House and Celebration Dinner, and their multi-pronged approach to reducing food insecurity and improving health and nutrition.
Willy Elliott-McCrea has been the Executive Director of Second Harvest Food Bank since 1988. Some of his accomplishments include Founding President of California Association of Food Banks and Vice President of Western Region Association of Food Banks. Willy also worked as Purchasing Agent (10 years) and Warehouse Manager/Driver (5 years). He is actively involved with Human Care Alliance and Central Coast Hunger Coalition. Willy was the Founding President of the Seabright Neighborhood Association. He loves to read mysteries, play chess and piano. He has a small home orchard (2 avocados, 3 apple, 1 plum, 1 persimmon, and 1 apricot.) Educational accomplishments include 2 years at UCSC and 1 year at the Institute of Political Science in Paris, France. His special talents include community organizing, financial management, media and community relations.
Suzanne Willis is the Chief Development Officer for Second Harvest Food Bank. She has been with Second Harvest for over 8 years. Suzanne continues to be a vital part of the Food Bank’s efforts to secure funding for day-to-day outreach programming, food distribution supply, and process expansion. She is a local resident with a career dedicated to non-profit causes.
