Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson has hired an executive coach as she leads a government agency with a nearly $4 billion budget and 6,000 employees, (“Multnomah County chair spending $200 per hour on taxpayer-funded leadership coaching,” June 18).

For the last 11 years, I have served as the president and chief executive officer of Oregon Food Bank, a large statewide nonprofit that seeks to end hunger and its root causes. Previously, I spent 11 years leading Alaska’s food banking system. I am one of the most experienced food banking leaders in the country. Still, to this day, I enlist the support of an executive coach.

An effective leader is constantly learning. An effective leader recognizes complexity and seeks guidance, support and feedback to manage this complexity. All leaders have strengths and weaknesses, and good leaders lean into their strengths and seek support to navigate their learning edges.

I admire Vega Pederson for leaving her corporate job for public service. In her public position she has worked to uproot hunger; examples include the county’s investments in affordable housing and Preschool for All. I admire Vega Pederson for being smart enough to know that she does not know everything, and for engaging an executive coach so she can be the best leader she can be. We need good, smart, learning leaders to end hunger.

Susannah Morgan, Portland

Morgan is president of the Oregon Food Bank

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