OUR TEAM
DEDICATED TO THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE!
Visalia Emergency Aid is led by a group of professionals who are passionate about serving our community and working for the betterment of others. Each member of our team has compassion and skills that enable them to effectively serve our client base.
Let me introduce you to our team….
Mary Jennings, Executive Director, and CFO - Mary is a graduate of California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo with a degree in marketing and a lifetime resident of the Central Valley. Mary Joined the Visalia Emergency Aid family in May of 2001 and for more than a decade, she has devoted her time and efforts to the organization and to serving the community she resides in. She has worked as a tireless advocate for those in need and seeking assistance for over 20 years. Mary welcomes the opportunity to further engage our community in the work that we do to ensure everyone has the food they need to live their best life possible!
Blaire Bese, Race Director for the Race Against Hunger - After 11 years of being behind the scenes as the Assistant Race Director, Blaire is excited to take on this new role. While volunteering for VEAC started as a hobby over 15 years ago, serving this organization is now an innate passion. She is a graduate of Fresno Pacific University (B.A. Psychology & Sociology) and Alliant International (M.A.Ed School Counseling). When Blaire is not working on the race, she can be found at Mt. Whitney High School serving as a School Counselor or hanging out with her boys (her husband Matt and their son).
Keith Crawford, Thrift Store Manager - Keith grew up in Fresno and graduated from Fresno State University while working for Sears and completing their management program. Keith transferred to the Bay Area where he continued his work with Sears. As opportunities presented themselves, Keith went on to start his own business, this expertise led him to a furniture company where he led the store openings of new locations throughout Northern California. Keith’s next endeavor was managing a large thrift store in the Bay Area. Family brought Keith back to the Central Valley where he began his work with Visalia Emergency Aid, Thrift Store in 2023.
Crista Simpson, Accounting and Human Resource Services - Crista joined VEAC in 2023. Crista’s experience comes from 15 years of managing Commercial Banking accounts. Before this role, she stayed home for 5 years raising her two children. During her work in banking, she was introduced to Visalia Emergency Aid and volunteered for the Race Against Hunger. Crista was a board member for 6 years at another non-profit food pantry in Tulare County serving those in need. She has a passion for helping others, for rescuing animals, and spending time with her family.
Peyton Sheets, Development Director - Peyton is a proud lifelong Central Valley resident who joined the Visalia Emergency Aid Council in 2025, bringing with her eight years of experience in local government and non-profit administration. With a passion for serving her community, she is dedicated to advocating for those in need and strives to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families. Peyton is excited to continue engaging with the community and working towards securing funding to ensure that everyone has access to the resources and support they need to thrive. In her off time, Peyton enjoys expressing her creativity through art and spending quality moments with her family.
Sheila Suell, Pantry Warehouse Manager