Who We Are

Angie Hensley, a Michigan native, has a strong commitment to service and a fervent passion for assisting others. Since May 2021, she has served as a board member and in 2023 was voted in as the Vice President. Whenever there’s a city event, you’ll find Angie alongside fellow volunteers, actively supporting our community, representing the pantry, extending our services, and seeking volunteers and donors. Beyond her involvement with the pantry, Angie holds the position of a senior executive assistant and is the owner of Angie’s Desk, which encompasses executive assistant peer-to-peer groups, coaching, and virtual assistance. Having called Madison Heights home since her marriage to Mark in 1993, she cherishes spending quality time with her family, especially her three adult daughters and adorable granddaughters. Reflecting on the challenges posed by the pandemic, Angie emphasizes the importance of addressing hunger in our community, stating, “In a world with as much wealth as ours, no one should have to go hungry, especially in our community.

Kevin is a longtime Madison Heights resident. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors of the Madison Heights Food Pantry, he is the co- founder and President of Madison Heights Citizens United, a local 501(c)(3) non-profit. He also serves on the City of Madison Heights Historical Commission, Elected Officials Compensation Committee, Charter Amendment Study Group and was co-recipient of the “2023 Madison Heights Spirit Award.” Kevin formerly served as an alternate member of the City’s Human Relations and Equity Commission (HREC). He is a small business owner, graduate of Lamphere High School and holds a B.A. in Journalism from Oakland University.

Laurie is a longtime Madison Heights resident with strong ties to the community. In addition to her time at Madison Heights Food Pantry, she serves on several Madison Heights community committeee’s. She is an Executive Assistant at Henkley, a graduate of Lamphere High School and holds a B.A. in Recreation Administration from Wayne State University.

Vita Palazzolo is a 20-year resident of Madison Heights. Born and raised in “cozy” Clawson, she was attracted to that same “hometown” feeling here in the Heights in 2004, and has continued to call Madison Heights “home” ever since. A retired Early Childhood Educator for 18 years, Vita is one of the original founders of the Pantry and served as its first Vice President in 2020. Having personally experienced the effects of food insecurity, Vita’s empathy and compassion for anyone in need is the driving force behind her service. Along with the Pantry, Vita is a former volunteer with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. She is also a public speaker and one half of “The View from The Pew” duo, which hosts healing retreats for women with a touch of humor. After being diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in 2010, Vita became an advocate and fundraiser for the Michigan Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and is still raising awareness and funding for research to find a cure. Vita has served as an alternate for the Madison Heights Parks and Rec department and has been actively serving on the Madison Heights Arts Board since its inception in 2017. In August of 2020, Vita and Councilman Mark Bliss created and co-chaired the popular strolling music event, “Trail Tunes.” In 2019, Vita was the recipient of the Individual Volunteer of the Year award. Having been raised in a musical family, Vita is a percussionist and can be found at local Open Mics when she’s not searching for the best coffee shop or enjoying breakfast at “Betty Ross II,” her favorite diner in town!