Fran Yeatts, Executive Director
Biography (click to view)
Fran Yeatts was hired as Executive Director of the West Seattle Food Bank June of 2001. Prior to joining this agency Fran had managed vocational services at Highline West Seattle Mental Health (now called Navos) for 10 years and worked with at risk youth for two years. She graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology and enjoys hiking, skiing and traveling in her spare time.
Karla Marifjeren, Operations Director
Biography (click to view)
Karla, a Seattle native, joined the West Seattle Food Bank staff in 2015 after volunteering her time since 2004. Through her experiences as a food bank volunteer, Karla was able to learn about the food security issues in her own neighborhood and how she could best help. Now as part of the WSFB staff, Karla serves her community both as part of the team overseeing the daily operation of the food bank and by helping to plan and manage our fundraising events.
Robbin Peterson, Development Director
Biography (click to view)
With more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, I’ve served as Development Director for organizations like the Progressive Animal Welfare Society and Fishline Foodbank & Comprehensive Services. Originally from Dawson Creek, Canada (Mile Zero of the Alaska Highway), I’ve made Washington State my home for 26 years, after studying at the University of Alberta.
As a Nutritional Therapist, I’m deeply committed to advancing food security and nutrition initiatives. My career spans both nonprofit and corporate grocery sectors, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of community needs and sustainable solutions. I believe in the power of diversity and the importance of bringing lived experiences to the table to create positive change.
Beyond my professional endeavors, you can often find me zooming in my convertible to visit my daughter Audrie at WWU, playing with my Shih Tzu “Smurf”, learning a new textile art like bobbin lace, or perfecting Pliny the Elder’s sourdough bread recipe from Pompeii.
I’m excited to merge my passion for community service & food security with my experience with fund development in my role at West Seattle Food Bank.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” ~Margaret Mead
Jesica Silva, Program Manager of Helpline Services
Biography (click to view)
Jesica joined the West Seattle food bank in April 2021 as the Volunteer Coordinator and transitioned to Helpline Program Manager. She is excited to be supporting a non-profit that emphasizes the importance and power of community. Jesica grew up in the Seattle area and attended the University of Washington where she studied education and diversity. Jesica is passionate about assisting others and hopes to keep promoting and growing the inclusive and welcoming environment that exists at WSFB.
Graciela Gomez, Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator
Biography (click to view)
Graciela (she/they) is a bilingual (English/Spanish) community engagement and client services professional with more than five years of experience supporting diverse and immigrant communities. Their background includes resource navigation, volunteer coordination, and community outreach, with a strong focus on increasing access to essential services through culturally responsive and client-centered support. Graciela grew up in the Seattle area and attended Western Washington University, where they earned a degree in Human Services.
In their free time, Graciela enjoys exploring Seattle’s food scene, spending time with loved ones, and indulging their love of stationery, journaling, and all things paper goods.
Whit Carter, Development Coordinator
Biography (click to view)
Whit has been with the West Seattle Food Bank since 2014, initially as a volunteer and hired on to staff in 2021. As a self-described civics enthusiast, he is excited about government, advocacy, and public communications. Whit grew up in Texas and Hawaii, and studied history at Richmond University in London, but finally found his home here in West Seattle. Outside of work, he can be found playing board and video games, reading, podcasting, or getting very worked up about ancient Roman Republic history. He lives a short ways from the food bank, with his wife and cats.
Karen Dahl, Clothesline Coordinator
Biography (click to view)
Karen has been a volunteer at the organization since September 2017. She began volunteering when she lived in West Seattle and wanted to find ways to get more involved with the community. She came here with 5 years of experience at WSFB already, as well as her many years as a board member for other local non-profits. In addition to volunteering in her free time, Karen is passionate about art and music, including her hobby of playing drums.
Janeth Margolin, Warehouse Coordinator
Biography (click to view)
Janeth joined the West Seattle Food Bank team in October of 2017. She has been volunteering at the food bank since 2014 and has been the point person for our Backpack Program since we began the program. Janeth’s professional background includes work as an Office and Sales Manager in Bogota, Columbia, and in Marketing and Publicity in California. Janeth lives in West Seattle with her husband and daughter.
Chezarae Hernandez, Transportation Coordinator
Biography (click to view)
Chezarae Hernandez joined the team in July 2023, after volunteering for some time.
More to come!
Serena Streitman, Home Delivery and Backpack Coordinator
Biography (click to view)
Serena is a long time West Seattle resident and first started volunteering at WSFB when she was still in high school. Since then, she went on to earn her degree in Human Services at Western Washington University. She also brings years of experience and skills from working in shelter services. Serena joined the staff in November 2022. What interested her most in the job was the opportunity to connect with families and students in order to fill gaps in food access.
Jack Riley, Operations Assistant
Biography (click to view)
Jack has been at the Food Bank since 2008, starting as a volunteer and becoming staff in 2019. He grew up in West Seattle and recently graduated from South Seattle College with a degree in Landscape Architecture. As Operations Assistant, he works in the warehouse ensuring that food gets to our neighbors. He’s passionate about helping people and strengthening his community.
Emma Smith, Community Connector
Biography (click to view)
Emma joined the food bank in 2025. With a background that includes legal and housing work, she has seen firsthand how critical it is for folks to have not just information—but someone who can help interpret it, walk them through it, and advocate alongside them. Emma is especially passionate about helping people navigate systems that often feel impossible to access—whether that’s housing, SNAP/EBT, utility support, or digital equity. She’s excited to bring her knowledge of local resources to the table and build relationships with providers across King County. Outside of work, you might find Emma beach camping, baking, or sharing a hot pot meal with friends & family.
Tate Besser, Food Bank Coordinator
Biography (click to view)
Tate was hired as Food Bank Coordinator in July of 2026 after working at Missoula Food Bank & Community Center for 3 years. He graduated from University of Montana with a Master’s in Environmental Studies in 2023 focusing on increasing community food security in local communities. You can find Tate snowboarding, DJing, camping, and spending time outside in his free time!