About Hank Perret
President & CEO - Capital Area Food Bank of Texas

Hank joined CAFB in September 2010, after serving seven years on the Food Bank board where he found his passion in the fight to end hunger. Hank spent many years in the technology field, with his last position as the senior vice president and general manager of the Communication Products Group at Zarlink Semiconductor.

Prior to joining Zarlink, Perret was president and chief executive officer for Legerity, Inc., a communications company, and before that he was their chief financial officer. Prior to joining Legerity, he was the chief financial officer for Actel Corporation. Perret has also held financial roles at Applied Materials, Inc., National Semiconductor Corporation, Raytheon Semiconductor and General Electric Company. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from San Jose State University.

Which of your personal traits is most important in making you a good leader?
Honesty and integrity in everything I do, both personally and professionally. I also have very good listening skills, which is important to being a good leader.
What was the “aha” moment that got you started in your current career/line of work?
After serving on the Board of the CAFB for 7 years, I came into this role as President & CEO. Board service did not prepare me for my deeper understanding of the hunger issue. The "aha" moment was being in the trenches every day with the 80 employees here and seeing their passion for helping those in need in our community.
What is the most rewarding thing about working in public/social service?
The most rewarding thing about working in public/social service is seeing the looks of absolute gratitude on the faces of those we serve.
What is the most significant issue you would like to be able to solve?
I would like to be able to solve the hunger issue as hunger is absolutely unacceptable in a country like ours, with the resources we have at our disposal.
When you were 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to grow up and be a baseball player. I wanted to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers as a child.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Chocolate cake
How long have you lived in Austin? What brought you here?
I have lived in Austin twice, from 1992 - 1996 and from 2001 to present. My first time in Austin was due to an employment move and my second time was driven by a combination of an employment move and desire to be closer to family.