Meet HSM Staff Member, Colleen Moriarty

HSM Executive Director Colleen Moriarty (left), U.S. Representative Keith Ellison (right), and Minnesota State Senator Linda Berglin (back) at a press conference focusing on state and national hunger policy issues that took place in St. Paul on March 30th, 2009.

When did you start working at HSM and what do you do?
“I started at HSM in February of 2004 and I’m the director of the organization.”

What did you do prior to joining the staff at HSM?
“Some of the highlights include: Department Head at KARE 11, that’s where I organized the Health Fair 11 program; Executive Director of the Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board; Chief of Staff to Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton through her second term. I was also elected to the Minneapolis School Board in 2002 and served through 2006.”

What is your favorite part of your job?
“The political part of the job is my favorite by far.”

What is your biggest frustration when it comes to your job?
“The continued suffering by so many folks and the simple fact that we are just a drop in the bucket.”

What do you like to do outside of work?
“Outside of work I like to knit, play with my grandson, Louis, and keep house which includes cleaning and gardening. I loved my recent knitting trip to Nova Scotia.”

Colleen has been involved in poverty programs for the majority of her career. She has seen the devastating effects that poverty has had on our families and children and understands that basic needs must be met before families can succeed. As HSM’s Executive Director and the co-chair of Minnesota Partners to End Hunger, she works to motivate decision-makers to take supportive action on state and national hunger policy issues. One of Colleen’s strengths is portraying the story of hunger to the media and legislators in a way that is compelling and makes a positive impact on behalf of those in need and the organizations that serve them. Colleen can be contacted at 651-789-9841/800-782-6372 ext. 12.