By Tom Spalding, Communications Volunteer
At Boulevard Place Food Pantry, we know strong organizations are built on compassionate people, servant leadership and a commitment to working together for the good of the community. That is why we are excited to welcome Kathleen Anne “Kathy” Ester as our new director.
Board members of Boulevard Place Food Pantry voted unanimously on May 19, 2026, to appoint Ester to a two-year term leading the organization as it continues responding to growing community needs across Indianapolis.
Kathy becomes just the sixth person to serve in the director role in the pantry’s 44-year history, following Bob Kennie, Mark Varnau, Cindy Brown, Matt Hayes, Robert White and Cindy Brown again in an interim half-year capacity.
As a Christ the King Catholic Church parishioner, she’s the first director not currently affiliated with St. Thomas Aquinas. She will work closely with Boulevard Place’s co-operations managers, Katrina Hawkins and Chris Hutson, and along with the pantry’s dedicated volunteers and board leadership team.
She brings decades of leadership experience in healthcare, operations and team management, most recently serving 35 years as a registered nurse and clinical manager with Ascension Medical Group. Throughout her career as a nurse and healthcare leader, she guided teams through fast-paced and demanding environments while emphasizing collaboration, mentorship, communication and compassionate care. Direct supervision involved 65 providers and 100 staff with strict adherence to regulatory standards and clinical best practices.
After retiring from her longtime healthcare career in January 2025, she said she still felt called to meaningful service and wanted to continue making a difference in the lives of others. As she spent time at the pantry shadowing shifts and meeting volunteers, she quickly felt connected to both the mission and the people behind it.
“During the search process, Kathy shared with us that while she had retired from her longtime healthcare career, she still felt called to serve others in a meaningful way,” says Lisa Wilson, board chair of Boulevard Place Food Pantry. “After spending time at the pantry and getting to know volunteers and staff, she felt a strong connection to both the mission and the people behind it.”
“I have been incredibly impressed by the camaraderie, dedication and efficiency throughout the pantry,” Kathy shares. “Whether unloading trucks on delivery day or preparing for shopping days, everyone has been welcoming, engaging and deeply committed to serving those who walk through our doors.”
Kathy also brings a longstanding commitment to volunteerism and community outreach. Her service background includes work with Gleaners Mobile Food Pantry, the American Red Cross Disaster Action Team, Indy Reads and Gennesaret Free Clinics.
As she begins this new chapter, Kathy says her focus will be on listening, learning and building upon the strong foundation already in place.
“As I continue to learn from the team, I believe promoting open dialogue, being present and leading with grace will contribute positively to the culture already here,” she said. “We must maintain this team effort to serve those in need.”
