Vineland Soup Kitchen Appoints New Leaders, Board Reorganizes
Spirit & Truth Ministries Inc/Vineland Soup Kitchen has announced the appointment of Lori King as its newest board member and Chelsea Consalo as chief development officer (CDO). These leadership additions come alongside the organization’s recent board reorganization.
Chelsea Consalo, pictured below left, who previously served on the organization’s Board of Directors for four years, has transitioned into her new role. During her board tenure, she developed a strong passion for fundraising, serving on the fundraising committee and playing a lead role in organizing the organization’s signature annual event, Night for the Needy.
Prior to joining the Vineland Soup Kitchen in this new capacity, Chelsea served as Executive Vice President of Consalo Family Farms, her family’s produce business headquartered in Vineland, founded in 1927. Over her 11-year career in the produce industry, she led and launched numerous philanthropic initiatives focused on addressing food insecurity. These included founding a Thanksgiving Donation Program with Farmers Against Hunger, spearheading cause-driven marketing campaigns with Healthy Family Project benefiting Feeding America, and establishing partnerships with organizations such as America’s Grow-A-Row. She also played a key role in national campaigns including Mandarins Making a Difference with Harris Teeter Supermarkets.
Chelsea has been widely recognized for her leadership within the industry. She is a graduate of the International Fresh Produce Association’s Emerging Leaders Program (2020), a 2021 Women in Produce honoree by The Packer, and a Produce Business 40 Under Forty recipient. Her industry involvement includes leadership roles with the New Jersey Blueberry Advisory Council, New Jersey Blueberry Growers Association, North American Blueberry Council, and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. She also completed the Agribusiness Program at Harvard Business School in 2023.
Lori King, pictured above right, joins the board bringing a lifelong commitment to faith, family, and community service. Grounded in her Catholic faith and inspired by her upbringing, Lori has been actively engaged in both civic and faith-based service from a young age.
A wife and mother of three daughters, Lori has dedicated much of her adult life to mentoring youth and helping them live out their faith in everyday life. She served in religious education at Christ the Good Shepherd Parish for more than 14 years, including approximately 11 years as Youth Minister. During that time, she led youth in hands-on service with the Vineland Soup Kitchen, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the Rural Development Cumberland County Homeless Shelter, helping provide essential support to individuals and families in need.
Lori has also contributed to the broader faith community through her involvement with the Diocese of Camden Convocation of Catholic Leaders and is currently helping to reestablish a teen ministry program at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish. In addition, she has taught theology at Our Lady of Mercy Academy and supported development efforts within the school. Her commitment to youth extends into the public school system, where she serves as a substitute teacher working closely with students with special needs. She has also volunteered for many years with the Friends of Vineland Crew Association and as a coach for the Vineland High School Crew team.
The organization also recently held its Board Reorganization Meeting, maintaining a strong, consistent leadership team with one key transition. The board is as follows:
President: Matt Milam
Vice President: Dana Catalana (newly appointed, pictured below)
Secretary: Lynn Harris
Treasurer: Carol Gurzo
School & Education Outreach Liaison: Debbie Eisinger
Board Member: Lori Pepper-King
Honorary Member: Virginia Dolce
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Spirit & Truth Ministries Inc. congratulates Dana Catalana on her appointment as vice president. Dana previously served as the organization’s grant navigator, where she played a key role in securing and managing funding opportunities. As those responsibilities transition into Chelsea Consalo’s role as chief development officer, Dana continues to lend her expertise and support in the organization’s development efforts.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Lori King to our board and to see Chelsea Consalo step into her new role as chief development officer,” said President Matt Milam. “We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dana Catalana on her appointment as vice president. Her dedication, particularly in grant development, has been invaluable to our organization.”
Executive Director Raquel Soto added, “This is an exciting time for our organization. With Chelsea’s experience and vision in development, Lori’s deep commitment to faith and service, and Dana’s continued leadership and support, we are well-positioned to expand our reach and deepen our impact. We are also grateful for the continued commitment of our board members and leadership team.”
Spirit & Truth Ministries Inc/Vineland Soup Kitchen is located at 700 E. Landis Avenue in Vineland, providing food, support, and hope to individuals and families in need throughout the Vineland area.
