Cynthia Peeples

Cynthia joined the pantry team in March 2026. As Operations and Executive Affairs Manager, she supports the entire team, helping keep our organization running smoothly so we can stay focused on our mission.

Cynthia comes to the pantry as a passionate community advocate with more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit ecosystems that center the dignity and humanity of diverse lived experiences. Most recently, she served as the Founding Director of an award-winning statewide advocacy coalition championing honest, inclusive education and protecting student and educator rights. She holds a B.S. in Finance from the University of Akron.

Cynthia lives in Salem with her husband Tom and a proud mother of three kids Jalen, Aiyanah, and Xander. Outside of work, she runs, travels, and cheers for her kids on the rugby pitch. A few fun facts: she is a black belt in Taekwondo, has lived in Brazil and Japan, and worked as an NBC news anchor and reporter.

“I am honored to join The Salem Pantry team and deeply inspired by the innovative, people-centered approach to food access. As a Market volunteer and new team member, it is humbling to see the whole impact that The Salem Pantry has on so many beautiful lives across the North Shore.”