Gaithersburg's Manna Food Center is searching for a new executive director after Kim Damion decided to step down after more than three years on the job.

"It's a personal situation that's evolved," Damion told Patch Wednesday afternoon. "My Dad passed away last year and I inherited some extra responsibility with real estate that I have to take care of."

Damion has been working since February to establish a transition plan, she said. She is working three to four days per week and will step out of her paid role into a volunteer position on the food center's board of directors in June.

While she's out of office, board member Gerry Hudson-Martin is helping handle Damion's duties and will serve as interim executive director until a replacement is found, said Assistant Executive Director Natalie Corbin.

Hudson-Martin has more than six years of experience serving Manna Food Center in a variety of roles, Corbin said.

Damion said she's leaving the organization in great hands, and the loss of one person shouldn't overshadow the work of the many people.

"It's a very amicable exit," Damion said. "I love [Manna Food Center] and I'm thrilled to volunteer in a board member capacity."