May 20, 2026
Bread of Life Executive Director Paula Wesley Submitted photo
The Bread of Life has appointed Paula Wesley, the nonprofit’s finance and operations director for the past 14 years, as the organization’s new executive director.
A news release says Wesley has decades of nonprofit and financial leadership experience including roles with Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, Public Broadcasting of Tampa, FL, and the Transylvania Community Arts Council prior to her work with The Bread of Life in Brevard.
She helped coordinate the first Bread of Life Day in October where 15 local restaurants donated a portion of their daily proceeds to support The Bread of Life’s mission of providing meals to anyone in need. She was also instrumental in overseeing the annual fundraising event that exchanges donations for a soup lunch prepared by The Bread of Life served in artisan bowls.
With the full support of the Bread of Life’s Board of Directors, Wesley succeeds Sergio Fernandez, who took over the executive director position in September 2024 after longtime Executive Director Michael Collins retired from the organization in August 2004.
“There is simply no question Paula has the knowledge, foundation and network in our community to ensure The Bread of Life meets the needs of our neighbors and collaborates with our community partners,” said Bread of Life Board President Jann Mellman in a news release. “She has the relationships with our volunteers and our donors that is an essential link to our future.”
Since 1996, The Bread of Life has served individuals and families in need throughout the community by providing food, support, and hope to neighbors facing difficult circumstances. In November 2025, the nonprofit 501(C)3 organization purchased property on Duckworth Avenue to further expand programs, services and community outreach.
During the last two years, The Bread of Life has experienced a five-fold increase in food demand and its current facility on South Caldwell Street. According to the news release announcing Wesley’s promotion, more than 1,500 hot meals are served each week, Monday through Friday from noon to 2 p.m., and nearly 17,000 pounds of fresh, canned and packaged shelf-stable groceries are distributed by the organization each month through its open-market pantry open every day of the week from noon to 2 p.m.
“This organization has been my heart for a long time,” Wesley said in a news release. “I look forward to continuing this organization’s amazing legacy of feeding all those in need in Transylvania County and to lead this organization to meet the ever-growing demands of this community alongside our volunteers, supporters, and community partners.”
Food donations for The Bread of Life are accepted Monday through Friday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and the office at 238 S. Caldwell Street is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information is available at www.breadoflifetc.org.