The Superstition Community Food Bank in Apache Junction recently hired Erik Arriola as its new executive director.

He is a native Arizonian, raised in the Mesa area and the East Valley. After graduation from Mesa’s Westwood High School, he attended Mesa Community College and Arizona State University, according to a release.

Arriola worked at Friendly Auto Centers, where he was the director of operations and marketing. He led his team to many top awards and helped build the business to what it is today, according to the release.

He has served on other nonprofit boards and helped fundraise for numerous organizations in the area.

“Erik is excited to join our food bank, to not only increase our awareness in the community but to partner with other organizations and businesses in the area. Our mission is to feed the hungry and with the passion that Erik is bringing forth, we will continue to grow in a positive direction,” the release states.

Since 1983 Superstition Community Food Bank, 575 N. Idaho Road Suite No. 701 in Apache Junction, has served thousands of people in East Valley communities. It offers assistance to individuals and families in need in Gold Canyon, northwest Pinal County and East Mesa. Go to superstitionfoodbank.org.

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Name: Erik Arriola

Age: 42

Town/neighborhood: Apache Junction

When and why I moved here: I moved to Apache Junction because I love the Superstition Mountains and the community.

What I like most about living here: The tight knit community is what I love the most about living in AJ.

What I do: I am the executive director for Superstition Community Food Bank.

What I like most about what I do: There is no greater feeling than knowing you are helping people survive…food is a basic human need; the Superstition Community Food Bank helps those with food insecurity.

Changes I’d like to see in this area: I would love to see a decrease in homelessness, and I would love to see the Superstition Community Food Bank be able to have a larger outreach to help more families in need.

Favorite community cause & why: The Superstition Community Food Bank is my favorite cause because no one should go to bed hungry. The Superstition Community Food Bank’s mission is: Together with our volunteers and partners, Superstition Community Food Bank provides food to qualified individuals and families in the East Valley communities with kindness, respect and dignity.

My family: My family is very supportive of me and any job I work at, but even more so now that I am running the food bank.

My interests and hobbies: Outside of the food bank, I sing with a local choir called the Sonoran Desert Chorale. Through the Chorale I have made some of my closest friends and have had the opportunity to sing all over the world.

The trait(s) I admire in others: I admire people who are honest and truthful. I also admire folks who follow through with what they say they are going to do. Being authentic is also a trait that I admire — allowing one’s true personality to shine through and being authentic are the folks I like to interact with.

People who inspired me (and how): I am inspired by all types of people from all walks of life. It’s always great to see someone come from humble beginnings and end up on top. I’m excited to see the amazing folks that come from depending on the food bank to volunteering or being a sustaining donor because of the help they’ve received from a food bank.

My guiding philosophy: Is to always do the right thing and be kind doing it.