Temporary shelter committee celebrates 30 years of outgoing leader
Vermont Business Journal Today, the Temporary Housing Council announced the appointment of Jonathan Farrell as the organization’s next executive director, effective November 17th. Rita Macley will step down next month after 30 years of service to the nonprofit.
“Jonathan is a clear standout in the search process and we have full confidence in his ability to move our organization forward,” said Kurt Reichelt, COTS Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Over the past 11 years, Jonathan has demonstrated his commitment to our shared mission. Strong commitment and his understanding of the complexities of COTS. His skills, combined with Jonathan’s commitment to the COTS mission, will serve COTS and our continued growth as an organization.”
As Vermont’s largest service provider for the homeless or at-risk, COTS advocates for long-term solutions to end homelessness. COTS is a recognized leader with a range of programs including prevention, emergency shelters and permanent affordable housing.
According to Rita Markley, “Leaving COTS is bittersweet, but knowing that our leadership team is strong and talented, that our Board of Directors and volunteers are deeply committed to our mission, and that our new Executive Director Jonathan Farrell will bring Extensive experience in housing and social services. I have worked closely with him for the past ten years and I have full confidence that he will carry forward his innovative spirit and focus on COTS solutions that have been unique since we first opened.”
Farrell has been with COTS for 11 years. He started as Housing Resource Center Coordinator in 2011 and then became Director of Facilities in 2015. This year, he also assumed the role of director of operations for the organization. Farrell’s skills and experience include:
- Design and Implementation of Homeless Services Programs
- Grant Compliance and Budget
- Strategic Planning for Institutional Programs and Facilities
- contract management
- capital project management
- Advocacy locally and statewide
- Collaborate with community partners
An active member of the Burlington community, Farrell has served as chair of the University Street Church-UCC Board of Deacons and a board member of the Burlington Preservation Council.
Jonathan Farrell said, “This is my community; I’m rooted here, working here, volunteering here, and I’m trying to help make this city better. In fact, former COTS Clients are now thriving, becoming peers, neighbors and friendly faces in the city – that’s why I love COTS.”
For more information on COTS, visit www.cotsonline.org.
Regarding the Temporary Housing Committee:
The Council of Temporary Shelters (COTS) is Vermont’s largest homeless and potentially homeless service provider. The mission of COTS is to provide emergency shelters, services, and housing for the homeless or those who are struggling. We believe in the value and dignity of every human life; we believe housing is a fundamental human right; and we believe emergency shelters are not the answer to homelessness. We operate 9 locations in Burlington and Winooski.
October 31, 2022. (BURLINGTON, VT) — Commission on Temporary Shelter (COTS)