Community Orgs Nonprofits News

Stepping Stones Seeks New Executive Director as Local Need Continues to Grow

Julie Bendel will serve in interim role following Padraig Gallagher’s departure

author & photo by McKenna Scherer |

STEPPING FORWARD. Executive Director Padraig Gallagher will be transitioning from his role at Stepping Stones into the executive director position at Feed My People Food Bank this spring. Stepping Stones is now accepting applications for the role.
STEPPING FORWARD. Executive Director Padraig Gallagher will be transitioning from his role at Stepping Stones into the executive director position at Feed My People Food Bank this spring. Stepping Stones is now accepting applications for executive director.

After four years as executive director of Stepping Stones of Dunn County, Padraig Gallagher will officially depart from the nonprofit this February and begin serving neighboring organization Feed My People Food Bank in the same role.

Stepping Stones announced Gallagher’s departure on Jan. 21, noting the great growth of the organization in the past few years including the development and opening of the Cairn House Shelter and expansion of the Stepping Stones Food Pantry and Community Connections programs.

“(Gallagher) has been key in advancing the connection between Stepping Stones and the people of Dunn County, not only in service, but also in event fundraising, ongoing monthly giving, and personal connections,” Barbara Fagan, president of the Stepping Stones Board of Directors, said in a recent media release. “Stepping Stones will continue to build on the work Gallagher has provided to continue meeting the increasing need.”

“In 2024 alone, Stepping Stones distributed 816,000 pounds of food through their food pantry, serving over 5,000 people in the Menomonie community and beyond.”

WISCONSIN FARMERS UNION

Stepping Stones is now accepting applications for the executive director role, seeking an individual with excellent communication and leadership skills, experience in personnel and fiscal management, and a bachelor’s degree or higher in nonprofit management, business administration, human services, or a related field, among other qualifications. Potential candidates may submit their application through steppingstonesdc.org or directly email Stepping Stones (m.hang@steppingstonesdc.org).

One week after the announcement from Stepping Stones, the Wisconsin Farmers Union released recent data highlighting the significant need for, and work of, Stepping Stones’ services: “In 2024 alone, Stepping Stones distributed 816,000 pounds of food through their food pantry, serving over 5,000 people in the Menomonie community and beyond.”

Additional data from Stepping Stones noted the organization is currently serving one in nine Dunn County households. As homelessness and food insecurity continues to impact the Chippewa Valley – and the entire nation – Stepping Stones aims to continue meeting the increasing local needs in the new year and beyond.

Corrisa Villeneuve, the organization’s assistant director of development and public relations, said the Stepping Stones Board of Directors has elected Julie Bendel to serve as interim director. Bendel has been part of the organization for more than a decade, previously serving as president of the board of directors, and is also the current volunteer coordinator.

“Julie has a great deal of experience in service to the Dunn County community including: opening the original Winter Haven warming shelter, working at the Community Foundation of Dunn County, and coordinating Thursday’s Table,” Villeneuve said.

The full description for the executive director role at Stepping Stones can be viewed here.


Learn more about Stepping Stones of Dunn County (1602 Stout Rd., Menomonie) at steppingstonesdc.org.

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Best of Menomonie is brought to you by:

Westconsin Credit Union

Explore Menomonie

University of Wisconsin Stout