Previous Executive Director Pat Haggard Continues as Vice President
The Holly Springs Food Cupboard is pleased to announce a leadership transition. After many years of dedicated service, Pat Haggard is stepping into the role of vice president of the board of directors. To fill the executive director position, the Holly Springs Board of Directors has selected Sara Haggar, a board member and volunteer with a deep commitment to the Food Cupboard’s mission.
“It has been an incredible blessing to serve as executive director with the Cupboard alongside Sara and other dedicated volunteers who care so much about the Holly Springs community,” Pat said.
Pat has served with the Cupboard for more than 14 years, first as co-executive director with Carol Moran and then as sole executive director since February 2016. During her tenure, Pat led the Cupboard through a twenty-fold increase in the number of clients served, a global pandemic, and multiple expansions and remodels of the Cupboard.
In February, Pat was recognized by the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce with the Heart of Holly Springs Award. She also received the Parrish “Ham” Womble Award for Distinguished Service to the community in 2017. Pat said, while she strongly desires to continue serving with the Cupboard, she wanted to retire from the executive director position because the time seemed right for a smooth leadership transition.
“I am grateful for Sara’s service and her willingness to step into the executive director role, and I’m looking forward to continuing to have an active role with the Cupboard as vice president,” Pat said.
Sara expressed her gratitude for Pat, both for helping establish the Food Cupboard and for continuing to serve with the Cupboard.
“Pat has taught me so much, and it’s been a joy learning from her and volunteering alongside her at the Cupboard,” Sara said. “I hope to continue her legacy of service and kindness to people in need in Holly Springs.”
After retiring from a 37-year career with IBM where she worked as a manager or team leader for numerous software development and test teams, Sara began volunteering with the Cupboard in 2021, serving as assistant treasurer and then as administrative director. A resident of Holly Springs for 29 years, Sara’s volunteer work has included leadership roles with her daughter’s Girl Scout troop and PTA board. She holds a certificate in nonprofit management from Duke University.
“Every day at the Food Cupboard brings an opportunity to see the spirit of caring and generosity that abounds in Holly Springs,” Sara said. “It’s an honor to be selected executive director for the Food Cupboard and to work with such a talented team of volunteers in service to our community.”