Rachelle Sutherland
Fort Bragg
Summary
Deputy Director with proven success leading countywide food security operations, supervising multidisciplinary teams, and managing compliance-driven nonprofit programs. Experienced in overseeing multi-site service delivery, regulatory audits, and large agency partnerships while advancing equitable access to essential resources across Mendocino County. Recognized for practical leadership, operational stability, and mission-focused problem solving.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy Director
Mendo Food Network / Fort Bragg Food Bank
Fort Bragg, CA
04.2019 - Current
- Provide senior operational leadership for a countywide hunger-relief network serving the entire Mendocino County region.
- Leadership & Operations
- Supervise and support a staff of 13 employees (expanding to 15) across multiple programs and sites.
- Oversee daily operations, pop-up distributions, and service delivery systems ensuring efficient community access to food resources.
- Coordinate partnerships with 30+ agency partners to expand regional food distribution capacity.
- Compliance & Organizational Oversight
- Lead organizational compliance including civil rights adherence, workplace safety programs, and regulatory standards.
- Prepare and coordinate audits with state agencies and Redwood Empire Food Bank.
- Collect, analyze, and report monthly TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) data.
- Serve as internal expert in W5 client tracking and reporting systems.
- Administration & Strategy
- Approve payroll, invoices, and operational expenditures.
- Support executive leadership in operational planning, program development, and organizational decision-making.
- Manage public communications and social media outreach for both organizations.
House Manager
Hospitality House
Fort Bragg, CA
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Managed daily operations of a homeless shelter serving high-needs populations.
- Supervised staff and volunteers while maintaining safety and program compliance.
- Provided crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and client support services.
Skills
- Organizational Leadership
- Nonprofit Operations
- Employee management
- Regulatory compliance
- TEFAP program oversight
- W5 data management
- Safety program development
- Agency partnership management
- Countywide Program Coordination
- Community Engagement
- Crisis management
- Public Communications
Certification
- Center for Excellence in Nonprofits — Leadership Certificate Program
- CalChamber HR Boot Camp Certification
- Harassment Prevention Certification for Supervisors
- Sexual Harassment & Abuse Prevention Training
- Civil Rights Compliance Training
- Certified CalFresh Advocate
- Manager Food Handler Certification
Timeline
Deputy Director
Mendo Food Network / Fort Bragg Food Bank
04.2019 - Current
House Manager
Hospitality House
01.2017 - 01.2019