WATERTOWN, NY — The Watertown Urban Mission board of directors announced today that Richard L. Halpin will serve as the organization’s interim executive director beginning in mid-September until a permanent director is hired.
Mr. Halpin previously served on the Mission’s board of directors, and later as a consultant for some of the organization’s staff development activities and most recently, to facilitate its current strategic plan. Mr. Halpin comes to the position after having served in multiple leadership capacities in the region, including as the director of the Center for Community Studies at Jefferson Community College, the executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, a board member for multiple human services agencies, and an independent consultant, assisting area businesses and non- profit organizations with strategic planning, organizational development, and leadership activities. He has also served as an interim executive director for the Cornell Cooperative Extensions of Monroe and Onondaga Counties, respectively.
“Dick’s extensive leadership experiences, including as an interim executive director, combined with his history with and knowledge of the Mission, and his passion for the services it provides to our neighbors in need all make him a perfect fit to serve during this leadership transition,” shared Stephen Todd, President of the Board of the Watertown Urban Mission. “We are thankful for his willingness to share his experience and passion with us as we secure a permanent director.”
Mr. Halpin will serve upon the departure of the Mission’s current executive director Joanna Loomis, whose last day with the organization will be September 14th. As previously reported, Ms. Loomis has accepted a position with the North Country Initiative. Mr. Halpin’s leadership of the organization will extend until approximately mid-November, or earlier as the start date of the new executive director allows.
The Mission’s executive director search committee is currently accepting applications for the position, with priority consideration to those received by 4 p.m. this Friday, August 24th.
