Project Renewal welcomes new leadership with incoming Board Chair, Neil Mitchell. Our Board Chair supports the CEO, ensures the strength of the Board, and acts as an ambassador for Project Renewal. Neil reflects on his goals as Board Chair.
Why did you get involved with Project Renewal?
A number of years ago, I was leaving a restaurant with my family and we were bringing home some extra food. On our way home, I saw a homeless man. As my family walked ahead, I held back and handed the man the food. My daughter, who was ten at that time, looked over her shoulder and saw me. She asked, "Daddy, why did you give that food to that person?" I explained that we're living in the wealthiest city in the world and yet the poorest people in the world are right here with us. A couple weeks later, a Project Renewal Board Member who I had been friendly with invited me to an event at Project Renewal, and that was it. I realized this was the right place to make a difference.
What were the year's highlights for you?
One was working on the excellent search committee for a new President & CEO and accomplishing our task of finding someone to take over Ed Geffner's great work and build upon that. We interviewed people in government and in both the public and private sector. We learned that Project Renewal is very highly regarded, and the staff is highly admired. That's a good feeling. Project Renewal is still a growth organization - we don't want the status quo. So we needed someone with organizational skills to make sure everything continues, but at the same time with an entrepreneurial spirit. We're in good hands with new CEO Mitchell Netburn.
What are your goals as incoming Board Chair?
My long term goal is to raise the awareness of Project Renewal in government and the public's eye. When people think of organizations that are battling homelessness, and who's at the forefront, I want Project Renewal to be top of mind. I want Project Renewal to be synonymous with ending homelessness.
heard about Project Renewal through Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen where she has volunteered in the counseling trailer since 2001. Bridget came to know our 
