Susan Zimet has been hired as the new Executive Director of Hunger Action Network of NYS.

Ms. Zimet has been serving as the Town Supervisor in The Town of New Paltz for the last 3 years and served as Town Supervisor in 1996- 1999.  In between, Zimet was an  Ulster County Legislator. Susan has been a proven leader on issues that impact the lives of many. 

Hunger Action Network, started in 1982, is a statewide membership organization of emergency food providers, advocates, faith groups and low-income New Yorkers whose goal is to end hunger and its root causes, including poverty, in New York.

"HANNYS is excited to bring on Susan Zimet as our new Executive Director.  While replacing long-term Executive Director Mark Dunlea, our first staff person, was a challenging process, we’re confident that Ms. Zimet is the right candidate to bring HANNYS to the next level.  Her governmental experience, combined with her legislative successes and commitment to low-income residents’ concerns promises to ensure HANNYS continuing leadership position in advocating for low-income New Yorkers.  Ms. Zimet brings an unparalleled energy level to the position and we’re sure she’ll need all of it as she works with our Board of Directors and membership to advance our goals and objectives.  Welcome aboard Susan!!!," said Dennis Hanratty, Executive Director of Mt.Vernon United Tenants and HANNYS Board Chairperson.

" When 1% has over 50% of the global wealth and over 51% of our public schools children live in poverty, we have a serious problem. We can not sit on the sidelines and allow any child or senior to face another day of having no food on the table. From Pope Francis to Governor Andrew Cuomo, the issue of poverty is in the forefront of the conversation.  I am really looking forward to working with anyone who has the moral goal of eradicating hunger and understanding that food is a universal human right, The shoes of Mark Dunlea will be very hard to fill, but I am honored to be given the opportunity to be an advocate on a State and Federal level for an issue this important." said  Susan Zimet

Hunger Action Network is working on raising the state minimum wage to $15 an hour, more funding for emergency food and child nutrition programs, job creation for low-income New Yorkers, and universal single payer health care.

Zimet is founder of VoteForWomen2020, a non-profit organization to commemorate the year 2020 when the women’s right to vote will be 100 years old. Zimet began her career in public service as an activist leading a successful effort to stop a WalMart from being built in New Paltz. Zimet was also a leader in the recent effort to convince Governor Cuomo to prevent fracking for natural gas in New York State.

As a town official she has been outspoken on the need for property tax reform in New York.

Former HANNYS Executive Director Mark Dunlea said "it is great that someone with Susan's government experience and passion for children and social justice will be leading the organization. Susan hopefully will be able to take advantages of the changes occurring at the state Capitol to help increase our state's commitment to ensuring that no one suffers the pang of hunger." Dunlea is leaving Hunger Action after 29 years to focus on climate change.