BIG BREAD LINE NEWS: we are absolutely thrilled to introduce you to the Bread Line’s incoming Executive Director, Maria B. Gaffney!

Maria is in a new position but is not new to us – she has already been serving with the Bread Line for a year & a half. After moving to Fairbanks in 2024, Maria began looking for ways to connect with the community & found her way to the good company of our soup kitchen. Soon, every Friday, she was up to her elbows in suds in the dish pit, scrubbing dishes, pots & pans during the bustle of the morning meal service. A very hard worker, with a compassionate heart, Maria quickly became a treasured part of this team.

When Hannah C. Hill, announced their fall departure as the Bread Line’s Executive Director, our staff encouraged Maria to apply for the job… a mark of trust if ever there was one. Moving into this new era, Hannah, Maria & the Bread Line’s Board of Directors are working closely together to make this transition as seamless as possible.

Before taking on a leadership role here, Maria worked in areas of wilderness trip leading, outdoor education, veterinary medicine, DV/SA advocacy & local food systems. She has the breadth of knowledge, commitment to commUNITY & keen intuition to navigate the Bread Line into its next chapters.

Please help us welcome Maria to the Bread Line. We are very lucky to have her & are excited to see where she leads the “little soup kitchen that could.”