The Open Door Mission is looking for a new executive director.
Mike Hennessy was removed from that position by the board of directors after six years at the nonprofit that provides shelter and services for homeless men.
In a written statement, Hennessy said there was a consensus that the mission needs to focus on development to advance its goals over the next several years. He said he is “thrilled” to return to his first vocational love.
Hennessy has been placed in a new, full-time position with the title of senior advancement officer. He will be cultivating relationships with donors, according to director of development, Anna Valeria-Iseman.
"Under Mike's leadership we saw really great growth over the past six years. We're now entering a new era where a new vision has been cast and it's time to implement our changes and our new ventures."
One of those ventures is a project in Gates that will provide transitional housing for homeless women and children. It's expected to open early next year. Valeria-Iseman said about half of the project’s $2 million fundraising goal has been reached.
Valeria-Iseman is temporarily co-managing the mission along with program director Howard Revans until the board of directors hires a new executive director.
She says the mission's day-to-day operations aren't affected by the recent changes.
"There has not been even a slight hitch to that. We are fully operational and everyone has been doing a great job despite the changes."
The Open Door Mission's directors of operations and finance also recently left their positions, but were not removed by the board of directors. Valeria-Iseman said those positions will be filled by the next executive director.
