This is one of the 12 finalists for the Herald Business Journal’s annual Emerging Leaders Award for 2025. The winner will be named at an event on April 8.
Anthony Hawley, 34
Anthony Hawley thinks of himself as a person of integrity, compassion and humility.
He also knows how to raise funds, making sure a $675,000 state Department of Commerce grant was approved — the final, crucial step in securing a $3 million food bank that opened in Lake Stephens in 2023.
Since 2021, the Lake Stephens Food Bank executive director has increased overall donations to Lake Stevens Community Food Bank by 24% through fundraising and building donor relationships.
The increase of donations comes as the number of people served by the food bank has risen by an astounding 232% since 2021.
Hawley has also changed the concept at the food bank. Customers are no longer given a basket of food.
Instead, they go shopping like they were at a real supermarket.
“We were giving clients the basket each week, but maybe they didn’t like canned tomatoes,” he said. “Or maybe they were allergic to peanut butter. It gives them choice. It empowers them and gives them dignity and respect.”
Hawley said his organization expanded its partnerships with other organizations and businesses to combat food insecurity.
“For example, we have worked with a local farm to dedicate space to growing food specifically for the food bank to provide our customers with more fresh, nutritious foods,” he said. “My personal and professional vision is to create a life filled with joy and fulfillment for myself and those around me. I want to make my community a better place.”
Hawley holds an undergraduate degree in social work and psychology and had worked at a youth crisis center before joining the food bank in 2001.
He said the success of the food bank involves creating meaningful relationships with staff and promoting collaboration. Outside of work, he said he enjoys spending quality time with family and close friends and embracing physical challenges through activities like CrossFit, hiking and disc sports.
Randy Diamond: 425-339-3097; randy.diamond@heraldnet.com.
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