OUR TEAM
DEDICATED TO THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE!
Visalia Emergency Aid is led by a group of professionals who are passionate about serving our community and working for the betterment of others. Each member of our team has compassion and skills that enable them to effectively serve our client base. Let me introduce you to our team….
Mary Jennings, Executive Director, and CFO - Mary is a graduate of California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo with a degree in marketing and a lifetime resident of the Central Valley. Mary Joined the Visalia Emergency Aid family in May of 2001 and for more than a decade, she has devoted her time and efforts to the organization and to serving the community she resides in. She has worked as a tireless advocate for those in need and seeking assistance for over 25 years. Mary welcomes the opportunity to further engage our community in the work that we do to ensure everyone has the food they need to live their best life possible!
Blaire Bese, Development Director/Race Director - Blaire has been with VEA and the Race Against Hunger for over 13 years now. While volunteering for VEA started as a hobby in high school, serving this organization is now an innate passion. She is a graduate of Fresno Pacific University (B.A. Psychology & Sociology) and Alliant International (M.A.Ed School Counseling). She is a former high school counselor (Go Mt. Whitney), but now spends her time in community outreach and planning for her favorite day of the year - Race Day!! When Blaire is not at work, she can be found hanging out with her besties (her husband Matt and their son & daughter).
Crista Simpson, Administrative Assistant/Co-Race Director
Sheila Suell, Thrift Store Manager
Jennifer Agulair, Administrative Assistant