THUNDER BAY — The city's largest shelter for the homeless and precariously housed is getting a new executive director.
Brendan Carlin, former manager of community services with the Regional Food Distribution Association in Thunder Bay, begins his new post at Shelter House on Tuesday.
He succeeds Cal Rankin, who stepped down in October 2023.
The announcement was made by Paul Capon, chair of the Shelter House board of directors.
Capon said the board's selection committee conducted an extensive search for a new director, and was impressed by Carlin's "steady hand, fundraising ability, management experience, and calm demeanour to manage sometimes in a challenging situation."
He added that in his role at the RFDA, Carlin gained knowledge of "the food issues that many of our clients face, the cost of living, and just to make a difference for people because food and shelter often go hand-in-hand."
Capon believes the move to Shelter House is a natural progression for Carlin "to something bigger and more impactful."
There are multiple roles for the person overseeing operations at the facility, he said, including dealing with client needs, staffing needs, fundraising, meeting with donors, consulting with governments, and developing partnerships beyond those that Shelter House already has with other agencies in the city that provide support.
Capon expressed the board's gratitude to staff member Michelle Morgan who agreed to serve as acting executive director for the past seven months.
