Enrique Zuanetto, Executive Director of The Soup Kitchen for more than 20 years, passed away on August 3, 2020 due to unexpectedly severe complications from a recent illness. The entire TSK family mourns this loss. On behalf of our Board of Directors, management team and staff, we extend our deepest sympathies to Enrique’s family. Enrique was a larger-than-life figure who brought his remarkable passion, experience and energy to TSK.
With the passing of Enrique, our TSK has suffered a major loss. Notwithstanding that loss, the Board has voted unanimously to appoint Marlene Mejia as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Dimitry Viarenich as Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Marlene’s professional and business history further bolsters her qualifications to lead The Soup Kitchen. Having owned two successful businesses, Marlene understands the legal and financial complexities of guiding an organization. Bringing over 30 years of broad-based management experience, while possessing strong communication and follow-up skills, Marlene was promptly urged by The Soup Kitchen Board of Directors to accept the position of The Soup Kitchen’s Chief Executive Officer. We are delighted that Marlene, a proud GATOR, agreed to rise to the challenge and accept the position with the endorsement and enthusiasm of her husband Herman Mejia, and their family.
Once hired by Enrique in 2018, after volunteering for a few months, Dimitry Viarenich shined in his role as TSK’s Operation Manager. With 15 years experience in professional food and beverage management with Four Seasons Hotels, Dimitry brought fresh insights that included industry best practices to The Soup Kitchen. Originally a native of Belarus, Dimitry traveled across the globe in 2005 to Qatar to help establish the opening of the country’s first Four Seasons Hotel. In 2007 he was transferred to Palm Beach County, Florida where he met and married his lovely wife Domenica. Now proud U.S. citizens, Dimitry and Domenica share their home and lives with 3 little dogs. Dimitry holds a Bachelor’s in Business Management that compliments his many years of solid work experience.
We’re really fortunate to possess two great professionals with Marlene and Dimitry’s experience, talent and vision to take over after our previous leader’s sad passing. The Board Team is confident that Marlene and Dimity are the best individuals to lead TSK into the future.
Please join us in welcoming Marlene and Dimitry,
Thomas Ellis, Jr.
President of the Board of Directors
The Soup Kitchen, Inc