Fulfill, a food bank dedicated to fighting hunger in Monmouth and Ocean counties, recently welcomed three new members to its board of trustees: Christine Gray, Antonio Ribeira, and Samantha Michaele. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise promise to enhance Fulfill’s mission.
“I’m thrilled to have Christine, Antonio, and Samantha on board,” said Susan Kyrillos, the chair of Fulfill’s board. “Their leadership will help us adapt to the changing needs of our community.”
Christine Gray is the chief of staff to the president and COO at OceanFirst Bank, bringing over 20 years of experience in banking. Living in Point Pleasant, she’s active in local initiatives and serves on boards like LADACIN Network, which supports individuals with disabilities, and the Point Pleasant Foundation for Excellence in Education.
Antonio Ribeira is the principal of HBK’s Holmdel office, where he focuses on services for small to medium-sized businesses and non profits. He’s been with HBK since 2014 and is actively involved in professional organizations like the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He also volunteers at a local food pantry in Bradley Beach.
Samantha Michaele is the director of business services at Rutgers University’s School of Social Work. A graduate of Rutgers with a sociology degree, she is currently pursuing her MBA. Michaele is committed to inclusivity and serves as chair of the SSW Staff Council, focusing on diversity and equity initiatives.
Fulfill has been combating hunger since 1984. It partners with nearly 300 local organizations, including soup kitchens and food pantries, to serve around 1.3 million meals each month. This vast network provides essential support to individuals and families in need, including children, seniors, and veterans.
According to a recent Feeding America report, food insecurity affects nearly 10% of households across the U.S. It’s a pressing issue that local organizations like Fulfill strive to combat. In an era when many residents face economic challenges, the contributions of dedicated board members like Gray, Ribeira, and Michaele become even more critical.
As society adapts to meet the increasing hunger needs, community involvement remains key. Engaging local leaders who understand the challenges is vital for building resilient support systems. Fulfill’s commitment, along with the passion of its new trustees, offers hope for a brighter future in the fight against hunger.