The Quad Cities nonprofit group One Eighty has announced it will be going through a leadership change in the coming months. The transition will mean the hiring of a new executive director as two directors prepare to retire.
According to information released Saturday, Jan. 24, the group is currently led by the three-person co-director team of Jenny Halupnik, Carmen Fish and Dakotah Smith.
Ms. Halupnik, who serves as director of engagement, and Ms. Fish, director of finances, have announced they will retire in a few months. Ms. Smith, the director of operations, will continue in the leadership role.
Ms. Halupnik told the OCBJ on Monday, Jan. 26, that she plans to retire in the fall, and Ms. Fish may retire next January. The goal is to have a new executive director hired by August.
“But we are both flexible and willing to continue at One Eighty until we find the right person who is passionate about our mission and equipped to lead One Eighty into the future. Finding the right person is priority over any pre-set timeline,” she said.
She added: “Our intention is to return to a more traditional, single executive director leadership structure. While the co-director model worked well for the three of us and for that particular season at One Eighty, a single executive director provides greater clarity and simplicity for our supporters, staff, and the people we serve.”
One Eighty, located in west Davenport, centers on helping men and women coming out of crisis, poverty, addiction or incarceration. People taking part are required to complete many hours of career training, personal development classes, Bible studies and church as well as working in a One Eighty company.
Some of the success stories from last year include: 124 people taking part in the program started new jobs; 99% of the graduates from the program have stable housing and employment; and 41 children were reconnected with a sober parent, according to One Eighty.
New position created
The One Eighty Board of Directors has decided to create a new executive director position that could be filled in the fall, according to an emailed message from Ms. Halupnik on the leadership change.
“Because this leadership transition matters so much, the board has formed a search committee and engaged an executive search firm, JobFit Matters, to help lead a national search,” she added.
“Our board of directors has prayerfully decided that now is the right time to establish a new executive director position — someone who can build on our strong foundation and lead the ministry into its next season with clarity, alignment, and faithfulness to our mission,” the group stated.
Ms. Halupnik said she looks forward to her next chapter in life, but will miss the work at One Eighty.
“I will truly miss being a daily witness to the redemptive work happening at One Eighty. Serving as a co-leader during this season has stretched my skills, deepened my faith, and permanently changed how I see people.”
She added: “It’s been a crash course in what restoration looks like when community, personal responsibility, and faith align. I believe the next executive director will be well-positioned to build on our firm foundation and take the work even further.”
