I became the director of that soup kitchen and as I got to know the guests, I realized how desperately our county needed a homeless shelter. We started Code Blue so we could keep people from freezing during the coldest nights and the community saw the need. Nine years later, we had bought and renovated a large building that housed a men’s shelter, women’s shelter, dining room, food pantry, and community day room, as well as space for a future health clinic, and mental health center. We also built an innovative program that addressed the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those coming out of homelessness and addiction. Phew! We worked hard and saw amazing things happen!
I’m a problem solver. I love to find innovative solutions to community issues. Big projects energize me!
I love to work with teams and help others grow into their potential.
Our kids are grown and living all over the US and Canada so my husband and I are up for a move and a new adventure. I can’t wait to find my next assignment!
Experience
Open Door Mission, Glens Falls, NY President & CEO
9 years
Organizational Leader
Spiritually mature leader who desires to honor and serve Christ in life and in the mission.
Demonstrates a heart for those who are caught in poverty, homelessness and addiction, desiring to be the hands and feet of Christ to those who are without hope.
Innovative driver of change. Open to new social enterprises, new technology, new ideas and trends. Constantly learning from other leaders.
Spokesperson for the organization, ensuring the mission, its programs and services are presented in a positive and collaborative manner across all media platforms.
Experienced in development of Strategic Plan, Strategic Vision, Core Values, Rebranding, Board Development, Staff Development, Capital Campaign strategy and implementation.
Provided strategic and long-term visioning consistent with the direction set in partnership with the Board of Directors.
Led the rebranding process with consultants and board, ultimately messaging the new brand to all constituents.
Served as the principal resource and support to the Board of Directors and its key committees, while providing input in policy formulation and interpretation.
Developed and shared measurable goals, creating, resourcing, scaling and leveraging strategies and innovations for broad investment and impact.
Community Impact
Excels at connecting with a constituency of givers, recipients of services, individuals, partner organizations, government, businesses and law enforcement.
Leverages the power of relationships and networks across private, public, and corporate sectors to improve the quality of life in the regional community.
Has a fundamental understanding of poverty and its effects on the community. Has demonstrated the ability to create programs that will be impactful to the community and those caught in poverty.
Fundraising & Development
Identified, cultivated, and fostered relationships with donors at all levels.
Planned and executed events with a team of staff and volunteers.
Oversaw fundraising, planning and implementation, developing relationships with donors and grantors.
Fostered strong relationships with local churches and businesses, developing partnerships, volunteers, sponsors and donors.
Led a $5M Capital Campaign.
Teambuilding
Relationship oriented, cultivating and managing relationships toward a common goal.
Led staff in building a vibrant volunteer program, mobilizing community members through meaningful engagement.
Promoted a culture of integrity, excellence, relationship, grace and faith.
Business & Operations
Demonstrated a broad level of business skills and strategic management to leverage resources and financial support for the organization.
Lead the development, implementation and execution of the annual operational plan and managed the process.
Ensured strategic alignment in the areas of community impact, resource development, board engagement and staff alignment.
Responsible for developing, in conjunction with the Bookkeeper and Treasurer, the annual budget for submission to the finance committee and the board for consideration. Was responsible for all expenditures with the framework of the approved budget.
Accomplishments
Provided spiritual leadership to staff, volunteers, and guests.
Started the first Code Blue shelter in the community and raised community awareness of the homeless issue.
Provided leadership in developing programs such as Bridges Workshops, Life Path Program to more fully meet the poverty needs in the community.
Increased staff from 2 to 35 and instituted new personnel policies and procedures in compliance with NYS regulations.
Increased annual operational budget 16-fold in 8 years. ($80k to $1.3M)
Led organization through a $5M capital campaign to purchase, renovate and increase programs in a new facility.
Oversaw a multi-phased, $5M+ building project, working with city zoning and planning boards, architects, contractors, subcontractors and volunteers to renovate a 40,000 sq. ft. building.
Led board in writing new by-laws, board manual, and other policies and procedures.
Led organization in receiving NYS certifications.
Built a volunteer program of more than 500 volunteers with policies, procedures, and database, increasing volunteer involvements across all segments of population.
Increased social media participation from 80 to over 5,000 which encouraged active support of mission programs.
Established sound relationships across all sectors: Churches, schools, healthcare, businesses, law enforcement, government, non- profits, etc. Encouraged collaboration with partner agencies, providing a place for partners to engage with mission guests.
Established the Open Door as an authority on hunger and homelessness. Spoke in all settings on poverty, homelessness, and spiritual growth.
Organized and led fundraising events: Big Balloon Breakfast, Iron Chef donor dinner, Red Carpet event. Later, supported marketing staff to add new events such as Thanksgiving Gobble Wobble 5k Run.
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