A longtime employee of the Committee on Temporary Shelter has been chosen to lead the Burlington-based nonprofit following the retirement of longtime director Rita Markley.
Jonathan Farrell will take over as the committee’s new executive director beginning Nov. 17, according to a press release issued Monday. Farrell takes the top spot after 11 years with COTS, most recently serving as its operations director, the release stated.
“Jonathan was a clear standout during the search process, and we are confident in his ability to advance our organization,” Kurt Reichelt, COTS’ board vice chair, said in the release. Farrell previously served as facilities director and housing resource center coordinator at the organization.
COTS is the largest service provider for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in Vermont. Markley announced her retirement earlier this year after working at the agency for 30 years.
“Leaving COTS is bittersweet, but it makes it easier to leave knowing that our leadership team is strong and extraordinarily talented, our board and volunteers are deeply committed to our mission and our new Executive Director, Jonathan Farrell, will bring a breadth of experience in housing and social services,” Markley said in the press release.
— Patrick Crowley
