Renea Young, President
Before moving with her family to Durango in 1989, Renea worked as a Manager for a Consulting Firm. She was tasked with traveling across the country, streamlining the procedures of professional offices and maximizing productivity and efficiency. This position allowed her to develop her natural talents with organization, supervision of large groups, communication and accountability.It wasn’t long after Renea moved to Durango that she recognized the challenges many families in this area face with such a high cost of living. She began giving of her time picking up food from local donors that would later be distributed to families struggling with food insecurity. Growing at exponential rates, it became clear that more help would be required. It was then, that the first Board of Directors was formed. Renea, along with Harold Steinhoff (acting President) began forming policies and procedures, setting up by-laws, acquiring 501(c)3 status & creating a detailed plan that would ensure future continuation of the mission.
For over 28 years she has devoted her time to feeding La Plata County Residents in need through the Durango Food Bank.
It is in large part because of her efforts, that a priority has been placed on collaboration with over 40 local agencies (faith based, service groups, medical, educational, governmental, etc.). Her selfless service and countless hours dedicated to this community earned her the 2015 Volunteer of the Year award from the Durango Chamber of Commerce. The expertise Renea contributes is invaluable and has added directly to the current success of this great organization.
Michelle Sainio, Treasurer
Michelle Sainio, CPA, CGMA, is Audit Manager, and owner, of Fredrick Zink & Associates, PC, and assists in the areas of audit, tax and accounting services. She joined the firm in 2006 as an intern, became a full staff member in 2007, and attained her CPA license in 2010.
Michelle has developed expertise in working with construction contractors, long-term care facilities and nonprofit organizations in Durango, and across the state. Michelle is a member of the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants (COCPA), a statewide nonprofit comprised of over 8,500 members. Formerly the Treasurer, Michelle currently serves as the President of the Four Corners Chapter of the Colorado Society of CPAs. Michelle is also a Chartered Global Management Accountant and member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the world’s largest member association representing the accounting profession with more than 400,000 members in 145 countries.Michelle grew up in Ridgeway, CO where she helped out the family excavation business by providing bookkeeping services and operating heavy equipment. Michelle moved to Durango in 2002 to attend Fort Lewis College. While attending college, she worked in the Office of Institutional Research assisting in data collection, entry, editing, analysis, and reporting. She was a member of two honor societies, Beta Gamma Sigma and Beta Alpha Psi, in which she was the reporting secretary for Beta Alpha Psi for a year. Through Beta Alpha Psi, she volunteered preparing tax returns in Durango. Michelle graduated in 2006, Magna Cum Laude, with a BA degree in Accounting.
Actively involved in the community, Michelle serves as Treasurer of the Durango Food Bank, Finance Committee Co-Chair for La Plata County American Cancer Society, and formerly volunteered as a BIG for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado. She enjoys mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, backpacking, and mountain and road biking with her husband, Kevin, and daughter Aubrey.
Jane Dunn , Secretary
Dave Horton
Considering Dave’s love of the outdoors, it is no surprise that he has been a Durango resident for 35 years. This location has proved to be the ideal mecca for many of his hobbies including camping, fly fishing & hiking.
Spending many years employed with Coca-Cola, Dave proved himself to be ambitious and motivated as he progressed from a Delivery Driver to Warehouse Supervisor and Purchasing Ops Manager. No stranger to responsibility, he was in charge of fleet maintenance and managed over 20 other employees. It was during this time of employment that he would develop many skills that would prove to be an asset to the Food Bank. Trained in inventory control, purchasing and space management Dave is extremely qualified to manage the logistical components of our future expansion goals.
In addition to Volunteering for Southwest Center for Independence, Dave has made it a priority to actively volunteer for the Food Bank during the last 6 years. An active participant in the distribution of UDSA Government Commodities, he has proven himself to be a dedicated and reliable Volunteer! Willing to help in any aspect requested, Dave has become our go-to-guy and we are lucky to have his skills and kind heart on our team.
James Jones
James Jones is walking example of the power of dedication and persistence! At the age of 40, he suffered a stroke that left him in the hospital for 225 days and non-verbal for 3 full months. Upon his release, he spent 2 years in a wheelchair, only able to use one arm and one leg.
A former University of Florida football player and Army Specialist, he was unwilling to settle for what was said to be his new life. Using his previous football training and a dedication to walk again, he began his own workout program. Six months later, he had progressed from his wheelchair to a walker, eventually using just crutches. One year later, James was able to walk on his own surprising just about everyone.
Utilizing his personal experience, James founded his own personal training service Be Fit Be Able. His goal is to assist his clients with physical limitations in reaching maximum self-sufficiency.
James has said that if we are living life for a purpose and to its fullest, we will be motivated and excited. Helping people has become his purpose and left him radiating excitement and happiness everywhere he goes.
Despite his busy schedule, James has made service of others a priority in his life. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for Agape, Southwest Center for Independence (Treasurer), Durango Growth Organization, Volunteers of America & Community Connections. James is a businessman, dedicated volunteer and all around inspiration – we are privileged to have him on our team!