Loaves & Fishes Community Services welcomes four new board members
Loaves & Fishes Community Services in Naperville recently announced the appointment of four new board members: Sue Allgaier, Kendra Hyett, Chris Phalon, and Angie Thomas. Each brings a wealth of expertise and a strong commitment to community service, enhancing the organization's leadership as it continues to serve families in need across DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will counties.
• Sue Allgaier is a retiree of General Mills Inc. She held multiple leadership roles throughout her 40-year career, primarily in the areas of supply chain finance management and supply chain strategic initiatives. She led finance teams at multiple manufacturing locations and was a team member on corporate initiatives that provided network optimization analysis to the broader General Mills Supply Chain organization. Throughout the years, she has volunteered in multiple roles at her children's school and church in Glen Ellyn.
• Kendra Hyett brings over a decade of experience in grantmaking, fundraising, and board service with a focus on gender equity. She is the founding director of a private fund supporting reproductive health, justice, and LGBTQ+ youth mental health. Hyett serves in leadership roles with the Chicago Foundation for Women, DuPage Foundation, Rise Up, Human Rights Watch, and an international women's collective. She holds a BA in English Writing and Gender & Women's Studies from North Central College.
• Chris Phalon, a certified financial planner, has over 15 years of experience in the finance industry. He currently works as a financial advisor with Edward Jones, helping families and small businesses with their financial planning needs. Chris lives in Naperville with his wife and three children and is active in the local business and civic community. Phalon is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in economics.
• Angie Clay Thomas is a nonprofit leader and social justice advocate with over 15 years of experience in development, administration, and community engagement. She began her career in government relations in Washington, D.C., and later served as director of development for the Quad County Urban League. She currently supports families across Illinois as a staff assistant with DCFS and remains active in the Aurora and Fox Valley community through board and commission service. She is a former Kane County Board member and was elected Aurora Township Clerk in 2025.
“We are honored to welcome these extraordinary individuals to our board of directors,” said Mike Havala, president and CEO of Loaves & Fishes. “Their expertise, leadership, and deep commitment to community will help advance our mission and build a stronger future for the families we serve.”
About Loaves and Fishes Community Services
Loaves & Fishes Community Services is a registered 501(3) organization serving over 10,000 people a week by providing healthy food and impactful programs for self-sufficiency. It is the largest food pantry in the state of Illinois. Clients receive a healthy variety of food, including fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, and eggs.
The Loaves & Fishes CARES programs help clients become self-sufficient through opportunities such as emergency assistance for rent or utilities, assistance with public benefits, car donations, tax preparation, job readiness, budgeting, and credit classes, as well as “Moving Up.”
This intensive program helps clients overcome barriers preventing them from achieving self-sufficiency. Loaves & Fishes serves DuPage, Will, Kane, and Kendall counties. Loaves & Fishes Grocery Market and its administrative offices are located in Naperville, and the food distribution hub is situated in Aurora. For more information, visit loaves-fishes.org.