Salem Pantry Strengthens Leadership with Four New Board Members

Salem Pantry Strengthens Leadership with Four New Board Members

Healthcare Expert, Local Chef, Food Scientist, and Culinary Media Professional Join North Shore Food Security Organization

The Salem Pantry has elected four distinguished professionals to its Board of Directors. Harry DeMonaco, Matt O’Neil, Pauline Serrano, and Elle Simone Scott bring diverse expertise in healthcare, culinary arts, food science, and media to the North Shore’s leading food security organization. Their appointment comes as The Salem Pantry continues expanding its impact across the region.

Impressive 2024 Impact Numbers

This board expansion arrives at a pivotal time for the organization. In 2024, The Salem Pantry supported over 9,560 families, comprising more than 31,500 individuals. The organization also distributed over 3.7 million pounds of food through direct service programs and a food distribution hub in partnership with The Greater Boston Food Bank.

“We are thrilled to have Harry, Matt, Elle and Pauline joining our board this year,” stated Executive Director Robyn Burns. “They are each strong community advocates and bring a wonderful variety of skills, perspectives, and experiences that will help guide The Salem Pantry during this critical time.”

Meet the New Board Members

Harry DeMonaco: Healthcare Innovation Leader

Harry DeMonaco brings over four decades of healthcare leadership to The Salem Pantry Board. As a trained pharmacist, he has earned national recognition as a health innovation expert. DeMonaco served in senior clinical, teaching, research, and administrative roles at Massachusetts General Hospital. His work focused on patient safety, health policy, and evaluation of new medical technologies. He currently serves as a Visiting Scientist at the MIT Sloan School of Management. There, his research explores how patients and clinicians drive medical innovation outside traditional industry channels.

“The links between food insecurity, economics, and health are well described,” DeMonaco explained. “I hope that my experience in both healthcare and economics will prove to be useful and of value to both the board and the community that the Pantry supports. I am excited to be named a member of the board and look forward to working with the amazing staff of the Pantry to meet the ongoing needs of the Pantry’s community.”

Matt O’Neil: North Shore Restaurateur and Community Advocate

Matt O’Neil operates as a North Shore-based chef and restaurateur with over 15 years of leadership experience in the food and hospitality industry. He owns The Blue Ox in Lynn and Ledger Restaurant & Bar in Salem. There, he demonstrates his commitment to scratch cooking, seasonal menus, and locally sourced ingredients. Outside the kitchen, O’Neil actively engages in community work as a youth sports coach and supporter of causes such as No Kid Hungry and research efforts for cancer, ALS, and Parkinson’s disease.

“The Ledger team and I have truly enjoyed working with The Salem Pantry over the years,” said O’Neil. “As someone who grew up in Swampscott and has deep ties to this community, I’m honored to join the board and help continue the Pantry’s incredible work across the North Shore.”

Pauline Serrano: Food Equity Champion and Scientist

Pauline N. Serrano, Ph.D., joins The Salem Pantry Board of Governors with strong commitment to food equity shaped by personal experience. As the daughter of Mexican immigrant farmworkers, she grew up with firsthand knowledge of food insecurity and brings that perspective to her work. After earning a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Serrano pursued a career in biotechnology and now lives in Salem. She has contributed more than 250 volunteer hours with The Salem Pantry. Through this work, she combines analytical problem-solving with hands-on dedication to community service.

“It is an honor to serve on The Salem Pantry’s Board of Trustees,” Serrano shared. “I’m excited to help guide the organization’s next phase, grounded in our shared commitment to equity, community-led change, and expanding access with care and a deep connection to the North Shore’s vibrant community spirit.”

Elle Simone Scott: Culinary Media Professional and Entrepreneur

Elle Simone Scott works as a food stylist and executive editor at America’s Test Kitchen with over a decade of experience influencing how audiences engage with food across print, digital, and broadcast media. She serves as the lead stylist for Cook’s Country and appears regularly as an on-screen test cook. She recently served as a judge on America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation. Scott authored Food Gifts and contributed to the best-selling Boards. Her forthcoming series, Entertaining with Elle, will premiere in 2026. She also founded SheChef Inc., an organization dedicated to advancing women of color in the culinary industry.

“I joined the board of TSP because I know from first hand experience that the strength of a community starts within. Salem is my community!” Scott emphasized.

About The Salem Pantry

The Salem Pantry transforms the North Shore’s food system by providing fresh, free, and healthy food through The Market, mobile pantries, home delivery, and a dynamic food distribution hub. The organization serves 20% of Salem households and distributes over 275,000 pounds of food monthly. It also supports 20 community organizations in bringing food directly to their communities. By combining direct service with collaborative partnerships, The Salem Pantry ensures convenient and equitable access to nutritious food throughout the region.

The organization remains dedicated to providing convenient and reliable access to fresh, healthy food across the North Shore, addressing critical food security needs in the community.

For more information about The Salem Pantry and its board members, visit www.thesalempantry.org.

Media Contact:
Kia Fernandes
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
The Salem Pantry
978-552-3954
kiafernandes@thesalempantry.org