New Executive Director of the St. Francis Center

Sep 27

Letter from the Pastor
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sept. 29, 2024

New Executive Director of the St. Francis Center

A few weeks ago, I shared the Wendy Saunders, the Executive Director of the St. Francis Center, also known as the Long Beach Island Community Center, had resigned and a search for a new director was underway.

Today, I am very happy to tell you that Mr. Kevin Walsh will become the next Executive Director of the St. Francis Center/Long Beach Island Community Center on Oct. 15, 2024. Although Kevin's first official day will be after the Columbus Day Holiday, he will join that weekend's celebrations at the Spaghetti Dinner and the 18-Mile Run.

Kevin comes to us with over 25 years of executive-level experience in non-profit organizations. He began his career working as the Athletic/Teen Program Director for the Catholic Youth Organization of Mercer County before becoming the Director of Youth Services for the same CYO office. His career includes other social service operations, including the YMCA. He is well versed in creating and overseeing after-school programs, summer day camps, teen programs, athletic leagues, holiday camps, as well as pool and recreation events.

Kevin has also had extensive experience as a Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer. He has been very successful in grant writing and procuring funding from the variety of resources available for non-profit organizations.

I am thrilled to welcome Kevin to St. Francis Parish & Center. He, too, is very excited to be joining us. With his experience, enthusiasm, and commitment "to helping people," I am sure he will lead St. Francis Center to the next level of excellence.

My sincere thanks to all the members of the Search Committee: Dr. Bob Hazlet, Amy Bodine, Amy Marks, Andy Beck, Tina Kelsall, and Bill Hodgson. They were diligent and committed to finding the next Executive Director who would lead us into the future. I especially want to thank Dr. Hazlet, who chaired the committee, and Amy Bodine, our Director of Human Resources, for their support and outstanding work during this process. We received over 40 resumes and inquiries for the position. It was heartening to see so many qualified candidates apply. That speaks to the respect and recognition that St. Francis Center has in Southern Ocean County and the State.

Onward and upward!