Tim Eckles – ALF Board President and ALF Board member since 2012

In fall of 2012, I joined the ALF Organization serving on the ALF Board as the Grant Writer. In 2017, I was elected as the Board President. I initiated or contributed to the following significant improvements to ALF’s administration and operations: Grant program revenue, ALF Financial Investment policy, Pantry facility remodel and improvements, purchase of ALF Van, and continuing New Facility Search.
Winter of 1977, I graduated UC Santa Barbara in Aquatic Biology. I moved to Atascadero in 1985 and along with my wife Julie we raised 4 children to adulthood.
After an intermittent period serving as a Firefighter with CDF/Cal Fire and US Forest Service, I worked in construction for 2 years. In 1979 I began a permanent 36-year career with Cal Fire working in Monterey, Riverside, Tulare, and San Luis Obispo Counties. I was promoted through the ranks to Battalion Chief serving in the Fire Crew Camps, Cal Fire Law Enforcement as an investigator, and in planning and development, training, and grant writing. In the Fire Camps I was qualified as a Food Unit Leader and oversaw the feeding of crews on large incidents.
I was also an Agency Representative on cooperative emergency incidents with USFS, BLM and OES and Contract Counties. My responsibilities included approval of expenditures utilizing State Emergency funds or special equipment. Concurrent with my career in Cal Fire, I instructed fire science courses through Allan Hancock JC (AHC) for 30-years. Courses included, fire investigation, instructor training, fire equipment management, and ethics courses. In 2005 I graduated the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg MD as an Executive Fire Officer. My four theses projects included: Grant Writing, Mentoring, Communication and Physical Fitness. I continued teaching at the NFA assisting with an Executive Command course and at AHC until 2016.
I appreciate applying my career and life experiences to the continued improvement of ALF Food Pantry’s operations and administration. My goal is to secure the opportunity for ALF to expand its services in a new/larger facility.
Along with Julie we enjoy our growing family including five grandchildren. I am also an avid catch and release fly fisherman.