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Get to Know: Lisa Tuter of Folsom and El Dorado Hills

It was a normal Monday in 1995. Lisa Tuter was just getting into her office, a lobbying firm in Downtown Sacramento. She paused to say hello to her boss, who was opening a package in the reception area. A moment later, the bomb went off. It was the last pipe bomb set off by Ted Kaczynski, otherwise known as the “Unabomber.” Although Tuter—five months pregnant at the time—was uninjured by the explosion, her boss passed away, and her life was irrevocably changed. 

Following the explosion, she changed career paths completely, first by dedicating herself to raising her two children full-time, and later by spending six years as the adult ministries director at Lakeside Church. These days, Tuter is the new executive director of Twin Lakes Food Bank (TLFB), where she dedicates her time to securing food and other resources for people experiencing food scarcity. She came to TLFB after desiring to make even more of a difference in her community, and she’s especially passionate about changing stereotypes about those who use food bank services. “One third of our clientele are seniors,” she explains, adding that many are dignified members of the community who simply struggle to pay their bills and afford the high cost of food each month. 

Looking back on that fateful day, Tuter has no regrets. “I’m so grateful my path has gone the way it has,” she insists. “I get a front row seat as lives are being transformed.”  


Q&A

What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t take yourself so seriously; perfection isn’t something to attain and is actually something to be cautious of.

What comes to you naturally?
Leading, empowering, and encouraging.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Clutter.

Biggest life inspirations?
The life of Jesus.

What are you most proud of?
Being in positions to encourage others to be the best version of themselves—from raising my children and loving my husband, to teaching men and women in volunteer settings, and now leading Twin Lakes Food Bank.

Favorite humanitarian cause?
International Justice Mission.

Best words of wisdom you’ve received?
“What we know matters, but who we are matters more.”—Brené Brown


Favorites

Escape
Bike riding on country roads

Guilty pleasure
Trader Joe’s Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Meal in town
Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Beef) at Manderes

Local landmark
Folsom Point with my dog

Favorite memory
My 25th wedding anniversary in Italy

Movie
The Sound of Music

Musician/band
Michael Bublé


—Amber Foster