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Meet the NFSB Board of Trustees: Susan Aufiero-Peters
Susan Aufiero-Peters first got involved with Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) for one simple but vitally important reason – feeding the hungry.
Her sons were both Cub Scouts who participated in the annual Scouting for Food Drive. After learning more about NFSB, she started volunteering at the Food Pantry.
“First and foremost, food scarcity is such a serious problem,” Susan said. “We need to educate people about food scarcity, the number of clients who receive food from NFSB, and the scope of the services we provide. Everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and we make information available to them to help in other areas of their lives. Nobody is turned away.”
In addition to providing people with nutritious food, Susan saw how NFSB provides resources and support through case management. She always helped food pantries through the community banks where she worked, but she wanted to be more directly involved in any capacity.
“I was happy to do manual labor and chat with volunteers and clients,” Susan said. “That’s what struck me about the organization. Everyone is so pleasant and gracious for whatever volunteers can give, whether you’re a high-school student or a senior citizen. It was always ‘the more the merrier,’ which makes people feel very comfortable spending time here.”
Susan reached out to an attorney on the NFSB Board of Trustees to learn more about the inner workings of the organization. Eager to share her legal and corporate governance experience, Susan joined the board in January of this year.“When I’m new to an organization, I like to listen and ask questions to see where I can be of value,” Susan said. “As I listen and learn, ideas grow organically. I’m already impressed with the materials I’ve seen and the systems in place for sharing information about NFSB’s activities so the board can provide oversight.”
Susan has lived in the Nutley area most of her life. She was raised in Belleville and attended college in New Jersey, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Drew University and her JD from Seton University School of Law. After spending much of her career as an attorney in private practice in New York City, Susan shifted gears, serving as in-house general counsel for community and regional banks.
“While New York City is great, coming back and working where I’m home, if you will, has been quite the reward,” Susan said. “I grew up in Belleville and my husband is from Nutley. I love this area, with the diverse section of people and activities, and the proximity to New York. It’s just a terrific place, and I enjoy being able to make a difference in my community.”
Susan currently serves as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Northfield Bank, which has been very supportive of her new role as a member of the NFSB Board of Trustees.
“I’ve been fortunate to work for banks that are very community minded,” Susan said. “Northfield Bank has a long-standing commitment to supporting local organizations and food pantries, helping to strengthen the communities they serve. When my colleagues get involved, whether through time or treasure, it’s a shared belief system that we do what we can to give back. For me, it’s not only my pleasure, but it’s my duty.”
Katherine Carmichael, NFSB Executive Director shared, “It’s a privilege to welcome Susan to the NFSB Board of Trustees. Her volunteer service over the years shows a deep commitment to our mission and her professional expertise will strengthen board oversight. Our 19 trustees are an integral part of advancing NFSB’s Mental Health, Food Pantry and Social Service Programs.”
