Blessings of Hope Leadership Team
David Lapp
CEO
David Lapp’s journey began on an Amish farm in New Holland, Pennsylvania, where he was educated in a one-room schoolhouse. At 13, his family moved to Indiana to pursue farming dreams, but God had other plans. In 2004, David and several siblings began encountering God in powerful ways, leading them to step outside the beliefs of their Amish upbringing. The cost was high—leaving their home, culture, and family ties—but obedience to God opened the door to a new life.
In 2006, David and his wife Fannie returned to Pennsylvania with their growing family. A founding member of Blessings of Hope, David became CEO in 2018. David is a founding member of Blessings of Hope and has served on its Board of Directors since the beginning—including six years as treasurer. In 2018, he stepped into the role of CEO, where he now leads with gifts rooted in business, administration, and a deep compassion for others. His leadership helped grow the ministry from a few surplus food boxes into a movement that feeds thousands. David’s story is one of sacrifice, redemption, and a legacy rooted in compassion.
Aaron Fisher
Visionary
Aaron Fisher’s passion for feeding others comes from personal experience—he grew up not knowing where his next meal might come from. That memory sparked a lifelong mission to ensure others wouldn’t face the same uncertainty.
He began his career on dairy farms, then transitioned to a woodworking shop, eventually managing operations. In 2001, he co-founded Decks-R-Us, building spaces for families to gather. But Aaron felt called to something deeper.
In 2006, he co-founded Blessings of Hope, turning surplus food from manufacturers into meals for those in need. What started with a few boxes has grown into a large-scale food distribution ministry that moves millions of meals each year.
Aaron leads with both business insight and a compassionate heart. He lives in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Barbie, and their five children.
Steve Lapp
Director of Development
Steve Lapp, the oldest of ten, grew up on a dairy farm where leadership and hard work came early. By 25, he and his wife Elsie had three children and had moved to Indiana to pursue farming full time. But at 28, a devastating accident ended his ability to farm—forcing a major life pivot. During recovery, Steve immersed himself in learning about health and healing, eventually discovering how spiritual and emotional restoration intertwines with physical recovery.
This transformation led him to a new kind of building—not with wood, but with systems. As Director of Sales at Blessings of Hope, Steve now designs the internal frameworks that keep large-scale food distribution flowing smoothly and purposefully. He and Elsie live in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, and are parents to 12 and grandparents to 9. His journey reflects perseverance, faith, and the ability to find purpose in life’s most unexpected turns.
Jake Lapp
Director of Purpose
Jake Lapp grew up in New Holland, Pennsylvania, where faith, family, and farming shaped his early years. As a teen, he transitioned from dairy chores to becoming a shop foreman in a local business. When his brother Steve experienced a life-altering farming accident, Jake and his family moved to Indiana to support him—a move that opened Jake’s eyes to the silent struggles many face. That awareness became a calling.
As a founding member of Blessings of Hope, Jake helped launch a movement of practical and spiritual transformation. His role on the leadership team brings spiritual insight and clarity for the direction and development of Blessings of Hope. Jake mentors others with prophetic insight and a heart to see people thrive in their God-given potential.
He and his wife, Nancy, live in Ephrata, PA, with their seven children and six grandchildren. Jake’s mission is clear: build systems—but more importantly, build people.
Liz Lapp
Director of Communications & Administration
Liz Lapp serves as the Director of Communications and Administration at Blessings of Hope, where she leads the Marketing, Administration, and Events teams with clarity, creativity, and care. Since joining the organization in May 2020, Liz has worn many hats—starting in Ministry Relations and delivery scheduling—before her gift for streamlining systems and building strong teams led her to her current role.
Known for her calm leadership, strong communication, and problem-solving mindset, Liz has played a key role in advancing the mission of Blessings of Hope. She’s deeply passionate about using excess food as a tool for hope and transformation, and she finds great joy in watching her team work together in harmony to make a lasting impact.
Outside of work, Liz enjoys traveling, playing pickleball, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.
Durrell Nolt
Director of Operations
Durrell Nolt is the Director of Operations at Blessings of Hope, where he oversees warehouse logistics, facility maintenance, and daily operations. Since joining in 2020, he has been instrumental in streamlining systems and improving communication across the organization. Durrell began as a Dispatcher and quickly advanced to leadership, drawing on over 20 years of experience in logistics and team management.
Before Blessings of Hope, he held leadership roles at Countryside Fuel and served as Managing Partner of Septic Solutions, where he led improvements in IT, dispatching, and customer service.
Durrell is passionate about building scalable systems that help move food efficiently to those in need. Outside of work, he enjoys restoring antique vehicles, cooking, and spending time with his wife, Janelle, and their three daughters on their family farm in Lebanon County. He’s also active in his church and community and finds inspiration through music.
Mary Lapp
Director of Finance
As Director of Finance at Blessings of Hope, Mary Lapp brings both strategic insight and a heart for ministry to her role.
Before stepping into the world of finance, Mary spent much of her early 20s traveling internationally on missions trips—experiences that deeply shaped her passion for service and global outreach. Today, that same compassion fuels her work behind the scenes, where she helps steward resources that bring hope and nourishment to those in need.
With a blend of purpose-driven leadership and practical expertise, Mary is committed to helping Blessings of Hope grow with integrity, impact, and faith.
