Fisherman’s Mark Welcomes New Board Chair, David Minno — Honoring the Legacy of Jacqui Griffith

Claire Lynch

As Fisherman’s Mark continues to grow and evolve, the organization celebrates an important leadership transition — welcoming David Minno as incoming Board Chair and honoring Jacqui Griffith for her years of remarkable service and steady guidance.

A Legacy of Leadership

During her tenure as Board Chair, Jacqui Griffith helped lead Fisherman’s Mark through a period of extraordinary growth and transformation. From strengthening financial stability to expanding programs and facilities, her leadership has shaped the organization’s ability to meet community needs with both compassion and strategy. “The biggest accomplishment,” Jacqui reflected, “was truly the board and staff working together to create a sustainable, vibrant organization that continues to fulfill its mission for the community it serves.”

Under Jacqui’s leadership, Fisherman’s Mark achieved key milestones: operating from three sites, building an endowment, expanding donor support, purchasing the Free MARKet building, and reinforcing its reputation as a trusted community partner. “Fisherman’s Mark is now financially secure, thriving in development and expansion of new program initiatives with a first-rate, dedicated staff,” she said. “Most importantly, we’ve had a positive impact on the people we serve — and we don’t believe in the status quo.”

Executive Director Jennifer Williford described Jacqui’s impact as “reMARKable.” “Under Jacqui’s leadership, we’ve grown tremendously and navigated challenging times,” Jennifer said. “Personally, I am so grateful to Jacqui for allowing me to find my way as a first-time Executive Director while always standing by my side. She led the board with grace, passion, and enthusiasm — and kept us focused on strategic growth and impact.”

While Jacqui will be stepping down from her formal role, she will remain a trusted advisor to the organization. “I got much more than I gave,” she said, “and I am truly humbled and grateful to have had this opportunity.”

A Vision for the Future

Incoming Board Chair David Minno brings decades of leadership experience, a deep love for the Lambertville community, and a long-standing relationship with Fisherman’s Mark. “I’ve been amazed by how Fisherman’s Mark has cared for the local community for 45 years,” David shared. “When I saw how the organization responded to the overwhelming need caused by Hurricane Ida, I knew I wanted to be more involved.”

David’s priorities reflect both continuity and forward vision: meeting rising demand for food and social services, strengthening Lambertville Academy, and purchasing the Free MARKet property to expand program spaces. “Our hope is to maintain and expand our focus on the area while being responsive to the increasing needs around us,” he said. “We’ll continue to seek new partners, expand facilities, and grow our donor base to sustain that impact.”

His leadership philosophy is rooted in trust and collaboration. “I don’t like to micromanage,” he said. “I believe in giving people ownership of their work and being a cheerleader for what they do. Jenn is amazing — forward-thinking, tireless, and a true partner in vision. I’m grateful for the chance to serve alongside her.”

Jennifer echoed that sentiment: “David’s calm and thoughtful demeanor makes him so easy to work with. He’s a visionary and a true thought partner — exactly the right leader to bring Fisherman’s Mark into a new era.”

Continuing a Shared Mission

As Fisherman’s Mark enters this new chapter, the sense of unity and purpose that Jacqui helped cultivate remains strong. “Good board leadership is not just a gift to the staff and volunteers of Fisherman’s Mark,” Jennifer said, “but to the entire community we serve. We are very fortunate to attract people with such great talent.”

From Jacqui’s steady hand to David’s forward vision, Fisherman’s Mark remains guided by leaders who embody the organization’s core belief of help when help is needed.