Jessica Andrews, courtesy photo
Jessica Andrews, chief executive officer of 7hills Homeless Center, will soon step down from the position.
Her last day is set for June 25, according to a news release from the center.
7hills provides basic needs resources like food, clothing, showers and hygiene items at its day center. It also offers several types of supportive services through its housing program.
Andrews has led the organization for nearly four years. During her time, she helped align the center with the Housing First philosophy, a national model that prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness before attending to things like getting a job, budgeting properly, or dealing with substance use.
The move led to a restructuring and rebranding of the center’s housing program which currently serves 72 residents across the region.
7hills board president Jo Kaye Bandy said Andrews was the right person at the right time for the center.
“The work she has done to develop relationships with donors and the community, as well as the strategies she has implemented to improve our programing, have positioned 7hills well for the future,” said Bandy. “She has done an excellent job. We will miss her, but we wish her the very best on her next endeavor.”
Bandy said Steven Mills, the center’s current chief operating officer, will serve as interim CEO while the board searches for a replacement.
Andrews said the work has been transformative for her.
“I believe in the work that we do and am grateful to have contributed so much to it,” said Andrews. “I am proud of our team and the passion they bring to work every day. I will miss this work but am looking forward to this next chapter in my life, whatever it holds.”
