I want you to be among the first to know that I plan to retire by the end of this year. I came to Compass as an interim executive director in October 2019 planning to be here for six to nine months. Instead, I fell in love with the mission and the Compass team and agreed to stay on as we transitioned into an affiliation with Lutheran Community Services Northwest. That transition is complete, and it is time for new leadership.
The Compass Housing Alliance Board of Directors has formed a search committee and will be engaging a firm to assist with the search. My plan is to remain at Compass until my successor is appointed to allow for a smooth transition. The Compass Board will be seeking a leader prepared to oversee a plan for significant growth, including the development of multiple new affordable housing communities. Compass is ready for this exciting next step, and I am committed to doing everything in my power to foster Compass’s continued success.
While the news of this transition is important, it is as important for me to explain why I stayed as long as I did. Compass is a unique place. The passion, compassion, and bravery that the Compass team showed while caring for our neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic is inspiring. It motivated me to stay and made me proud. The work that Compass does is vital to our community and the team we have built to do this work is the best I have ever led.
I’m grateful to all our Compass supporters for trusting me with your time, talents, and treasures over these last few years. I’m excited to see what’s next for us and I know it will be great.
Sincerely,
Mary Steele, Executive Director