WHO WE ARE
The Little Elm Area Food Bank is a nonprofit organization based in Little Elm, Texas, dedicated to providing food assistance, resources, and volunteer opportunities. Our team is comprised of passionate individuals committed to addressing food insecurity in our community. From our dedicated volunteers to our hardworking staff and board, we all work together to ensure that families in need receive the support they require.
Executive Director
Kyle Ward, CAE
Kyle Ward, CAE, joined the Little Elm Area Food Bank as Executive Director on October 15. Ward has extensive experience serving nonprofit organizations at national, state, and local levels. A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, he began his career in Dallas with Circle Ten Council, Boy Scouts of America, followed by leadership roles at Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) National Office, Texas Parent Teacher Association (Texas PTA), and San Antonio Apartment Association (SAAA).
A certified association executive, Ward’s accomplishments include building a new headquarters for Texas PTA with zero debt and growing SAAA from the fifth to the fourth largest apartment association affiliate in Texas. His other strengths include best practices for board governance, fiscal responsibility, nonprofit ethics, and brand enhancement.
About his new role at LEAFB, Ward said, “I am both honored and excited to serve such a worthy mission to help ensure our neighbors never experience food insecurity. Returning to North Texas is a dream come true. Joining the highly dedicated and committed LEAFB volunteer leaders and staff is a privilege, allowing me to represent a group that not only believes hunger is unacceptable but actively works to combat it.”
Fun fact: Ward once spent 24 hours in a tree on a courthouse square as part of a “Tree-a-thon” to raise funds for muscular dystrophy.
Ward is eager to engage with the community and ask for more support, as the number of families facing food insecurity grows monthly. If you or your company or business would like to join this urgent push to reduce and end hunger in our service area, please reach out to Ward at kyle@leafb.org. Our neighbors are counting on us.
Food Bank Administrator
Elizabeth Purvis
Elizabeth Purvis joined the Little Elm Area Food Bank staff in August 2026 after serving as an intern in 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Texas at Dallas.
At LEAFB, Elizabeth helps manage daily operations, coordinates volunteers and food drives, and works with local schools, churches, and businesses to support community needs. Her responsibilities also include social media, promotional materials, and fundraising event support. She contributed to LEAFB’s annual gala by coordinating event materials, signage, auction displays, and sponsor recognition. She enjoys the variety of her role and the opportunity to work alongside people committed to helping their neighbors.
Before joining LEAFB, Elizabeth served as Store Manager and Social Media Manager at Mary’s Mountain Cookies in Frisco, where she gained experience in team leadership, employee training, and daily business operations.
Elizabeth values community service and brings an organized, approachable style to her work. Outside of work, she enjoys houseplants, cooking and baking, and spending time with her fiancé, Alex, and their Mini Australian Shepherd, Brisket.
Volunteers
We could not provide the services that we do without the many dedicated volunteers who give their time and energy to the food bank. That said, we are always looking for more people to help serve our neighbors. If you or someone you know is interested, click below to find out how you can get involved!
Board of Directors
The Little Elm Area Food Bank, a recognized 501(c)(3), is guided by a dedicated board of members who serve three-year terms. These board members are elected by the volunteers who attend our annual member meeting, ensuring that our leadership reflects the values and commitment of our community. Each board member volunteers at least 30 hours a year and most even more. Their oversight helps us effectively serve those in need and uphold our mission.
Steve Bosway
Board President
Idalia Amaya
Board Member - Town of Little Elm
Board Vice President
Melissa Purvis
Board Member
Jeff Burton
Board Member - School Board Rep.
Board Member - City Council Rep.
Connie Payette
Board Member
Board Member
Dina Bohacek
Board Treasurer
Janet LaCaze
Board Secretary
Krista Bishop
Board Member
Raymond Longstreth
Sponsor Seat