Gierach to step down as Ozaukee Food Alliance leader, Acosta to take his place

Mark Gierach, executive director of the Ozaukee Food Alliance, announced Saturday he is stepping down from his post in August.

Gierach, who made the announcement at the Alliance’s annual gala, said he would continue as pantry manager for six months after that before retiring.

Taking his place as executive director will be Andrea Acosta, events coordinator for the Alliance.

Gierach founded the Saukville Community Food Pantry in 2012 and has shepherded it as it became the Ozaukee Food Alliance “through enormous growth and change,” according to the organization.

“I never cease to be amazed at how many people are concerned about their neighbors and want to help make sure they don’t live with food insecurity. No one in this county, this state or this nation should ever have to worry about where their next meal is going to come from or if they will have a roof over their head. No one,” Gierach said while making his announcement.

Kirsten Coenen, president of the Alliance Board of Directors, lauded Gierach’s years with the organization, saying, “His tenacity, leadership and sense of humor are irreplaceable ... Always looking to find ways to help others, Mark has a list of innovative ideas to serve those in need in a greater capacity — one that Andrea intends to continue as she adjusts to her new role.”