Welcome ShelterCare’s New CEO
ShelterCare announced today that its board of directors has unanimously chosen Michelle Hankes as the organization’s next chief executive officer. Hankes will succeed Susan Ban, the organization’s current CEO, on December 30th, 2019.
The selection of Hankes caps a search process facilitated by Hagel Executive Search, a search firm that specializes in placing executives in nonprofit leadership roles. Board member Melinda Grier reflected on the process, “ShelterCare is a key player in preventing and addressing homelessness. The Board sought input from consumers, employees and others in the community and then undertook an extensive national search to ensure its new CEO would be someone who could lead ShelterCare’s programs, develop new programs and continue to enhance the collaborative relationships we have with other provider organizations.”
“I’m looking forward to joining the team at ShelterCare. I have been particularly impressed with the staff members’ commitment to those they serve, as well as the involvement of the board of directors. I believe ShelterCare, in partnership with other agencies and businesses in Eugene, will continue to make a difference in our community, and I’m pleased to be a part of that future.”
-Michelle Hankes
Grier spoke on the selection of Hankes as the new CEO. “We were impressed with Michelle’s extensive experience in nonprofit management, her commitment to continuing ShelterCare’s culture of valuing its consumers and employees, and the vision she expressed for carrying out ShelterCare’s mission. She demonstrated a passion to become a part of our local community by listening to others, finding ways that ShelterCare can strengthen our current programs and collaborations, and continue ShelterCare’s tradition of addressing the unmet needs of our most vulnerable populations.”
Hankes holds a bachelors in political science and music performance from Eureka College, a Masters in Science Education/Museum Studies/Geology from the University of Iowa, and a Certification in Nonprofit Management from Iowa State. She will be leaving her previous role of Executive Director of Market Development for the Greater Tennessee Territory of the March of Dimes, where she was responsible for revenue development across the state. She has been working in the nonprofit sector for over 25 years. Hankes will relocate to Eugene from Nashville, TN with her two sons and husband of 22 years.
Susan Ban, who will exit the CEO position on December 31st, expressed excitement in the board’s choice. “Michelle brings an enthusiasm that is contagious and she has a heart for ShelterCare’s mission. Most importantly, she has a strong set of skills and experiences that will move the agency forward as the continuing challenges of housing, health and homelessness call for new solutions,” exclaims Ban.
ShelterCare is a private, nonprofit human-services agency directed by a board of community volunteers. We offer a range of housing and support services for individuals and families who are homeless, or on the verge of homelessness, with a committed focus on individuals living with mental illness. Additionally, we offer a community center called Uhlhorn Day Center, which is for individuals living with brain injury, Dementia, and other cognitive disorders.
