Dana Ortiz, who has served as executive director of Family Promise of Lawrence for 12 years, will step down in August, according to a news release from the organization’s board.
“I have loved my time in this role at Family Promise of Lawrence, and it has brought me in touch with the most delightful people — those who work with FPL, volunteers, staff, partnering agencies, donors, and those who are served by FPL,” Ortiz said in the release.
“I believe the mission of this organization encompasses all that is good and right in our world — empowerment, stabilization, community connections and relationships.”
Family Promise of Lawrence is one of more than 200 local branches of the national organization, which aims to serve families in housing crises.
“Since its founding in 2008, Family Promise of Lawrence has provided more than 36,000 nights of shelter, served more than 1,700 local families, and prevented 650 families from entering homelessness through its Prevention Program,” according to the news release.
Among her accomplishments at the helm of the organization, Ortiz was selected for the Tom and Anne Moore Peace and Justice Award in 2021, in part for ensuring that all families were included in FPL’s mission. She is shepherding the organization through the addition of a family shelter, which received initial approval from the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission in January.
Ortiz will mentor the new executive director for up to six months, according to the release.
“Dana is leaving our organization in an incredibly strong and stable position,” Pastor Matthew Sturtevant, president of FPL’s board, said in the release. “She has generously shared her wisdom and insights with us all, and we will now carry the torch that she is handing us after her 12 years of inspiring leadership.”
The organization is currently accepting applications and plans to hire the new executive director by April. Those who are interested can send a cover letter and resume to EDsearch@lawrencefamilypromise.org.
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