Long time Director retires

Carmen Ricker, long time director of the Greeneville Greene County Community Ministries Food Bank has retired after 38 years of service.

Carmen Ricker, Executive Director of the GGCCM Food Bank for 38 years

The Food Bank originated in 1984 when the ministers of local churches came together to combine their efforts to help the community in need. Clyde Ricker, a local pastor, was instrumental in early coordination efforts. When his wife Carmen retired from Magnavox four years later, it was known that she had time on her hands. She volunteered for a month to see if it might work and then was offered a position. She never looked back.

A tireless advocate for people in need, she oversaw the expansion of the food bank programmatically and financially. In 2004, she spearheaded a badly needed addition of a new reception room, office space and warehouse.

She continued leading the Food Bank into 2026 although some health setbacks kept her out of the office much of the time.

The current food bank manager, Jamie Painter, said, "I admire Carmen for her many years of service and all the work she put into the food bank to make it what it is today." Pam Easterly, Senior Interviewer, said that Carmen especially watched out for children. "She has a good heart and is a very caring person."

The community is invited to attend a drop-in reception at the GGCCM Food Bank to honor Carmen on June 5, 2026, from 3-5 pm. There will be a special presentation made at 4pm.