Feeding the Valley fights food insecurity in Georgia and Alabama
Lisa Lassiter is a motivational force in the community, blending her marketing expertise with a heartfelt commitment to tackling food insecurity. According to Feeding America, more than 36,000 residents in Muscogee County, experience food insecurity. Through her volunteerism with nonprofit partner and client, Feeding the Valley Food Bank, she leads initiatives that inspire others to help end hunger.
It all started when Synovus formed a partnership with the food bank in Columbus more than 10 years ago. Lassiter recalls how that connection led her to coordinate volunteer efforts in Columbus and Albany, Georgia. "It’s incredible to see how our team members come together when it’s for a good cause," she shares. In her role as business development specialist for 23 markets across Georgia and Alabama, Lassiter manages everything from event planning and sponsorship negotiations to supporting marketing initiatives.
“Lisa is one of the most positive, energetic people I’ve ever worked with. She leans into every project with passion and a willingness to go the extra mile,” says Heath Schondelmayer, Synovus division CEO and Lassiter’s manager. “Lisa cares about the community and Synovus and how we can make the surrounding communities better.”
Lassiter says she is especially proud of the work and engagement team members have dedicated to FTV. “I truly love what I do for all of these reasons and more. Feeding the Valley is an incredible organization that serves vital needs in our entire region,” she says.
“It’s incredible to see how our team members come together when it’s for a good cause.”
Lassiter recalls one standout moment when she and team members in Albany packed three pallets of food – nearly 4,469 pounds – in just one hour. This was part of the bank’s annual Day of Service campaign, where team members dedicated a day to volunteer and give back to communities. Connecting that experience with volunteering at the Hope Center Food Giveaway for those with food insecurities really brought the process full cycle.
Carleen Frokjer, marketing and community outreach manager for FTV, expressed her appreciation for Synovus volunteers and the hundreds of hours she says they’ve dedicated to helping others.
“There’s a special place in my heart for the Synovus teams that volunteer because volunteering and community service are a strong part of the Synovus culture,” says Frokjer. “We want the community to come into our warehouse and feel like they are doing meaningful work, and in just a few hours, they can make an impact on lives in all the communities we serve.”
Lassiter partners with local leadership and teams to organize volunteer and donation efforts in other Synovus markets she serves.
“Supporting FTV for what they do and the fact that they have trusted us for quite some time means so much to the community and our team,” she says.
Read more about how Synovus team members are enabling people to reach their full potential.