Allan Reesor-McDowell announces Executive Director transition
The message below is from Allan Reesor-McDowell on the upcoming transition plan for the Executive Director position at MHO. We can’t thank Allan enough for his commitment to our organization, which has translated to life-changing impacts for our city’s most vulnerable. We wish him the very best on the next step of his journey.
Over the last few weeks, I have been in discussion with members of the Matthew House Ottawa board regarding a leadership role with another charity.
I emailed staff and volunteers yesterday morning to let the team know that I decided to accept an offer to serve as executive director for John Howard Society of Ottawa, and as such will be wrapping up my time at Matthew House Ottawa on Sept 6th, 2024.
This was not an easy decision for me, but after much reflection over the last month I believe that the timing is right for a variety of reasons, including:
I am really excited about taking on some new challenges at John Howard Society of Ottawa
Matthew House is at a great place right now, with an excellent board and exceptional leaders/managers in key roles across the organization.
I always told myself that I never wanted to stay too long at Matthew House (I have seen leaders stay too long in other organizations and I didn’t want that to be me!). In leaving now, I feel I can be leaving on a high note, when MHO is very healthy and the transition to a new executive director can be a smooth one.
We have achieved some amazing things in our community together over the last 6 years, including: a 25x increase in beds available to welcome, shelter and support homeless refugee claimants; tripled the number of households we can furnish each month; and 10x growth and diversified revenue sources, which will help sustain Matthew House programs for many years to come. We have successfully advocated to all levels of government (especially at the municipal level) and developed new models that are making a significant impact in reducing homelessness, and the impact of the work we are doing will continue to be felt in our community. I am extremely grateful to have played a part in this.
I am grateful especially for the opportunity to have worked with so many incredible people: on the board, on staff, volunteers, donors, partners, and at the City of Ottawa. Thanks to each of you for being part of my story here at Matthew House Ottawa.
I look forward to working with the board and leadership team to ensure a smooth transition over the coming months.
In terms of transition planning, the board has established a transition team to ensure that there will be no interruption in the good work Matthew House does. More details on that process soon.
In the meantime, please be thinking about who in your network might be a great fit to lead this amazing organization!
Sincerely,
Allan
Allan Reesor-McDowell
Executive Director, Matthew House Ottawa