As of August 1, Good Samaritan Haven Co-Executive Director Julie Bond has assumed the role of sole Executive Director.
Julie brings more than 25 years of experience in operations, fundraising, compliance, and project management to Good Sam, a shelter network for those experiencing homelessness in central Vermont.
Her background spans higher education, government, and nonprofit administration, with extensive volunteer board experience in health access, education, and community awareness campaigns.
Julie’s background in community ministry and chaplaincy helps her connect deeply with guests facing loss and trauma. She’s a strong advocate for mental and spiritual health and wellness and is committed to countering oppression and creating just and sustainable communities.
Rick initially committed to serving as Good Sam’s interim executive director for one year. His fierce commitment to keeping people experiencing homelessness COVID safe during the pandemic and the rising number of unhoused community members, however, kept him on for five years. Now, he’s taking a step back—or a new step, depending upon how you look at it—shifting to an advisory role where he will focus on special initiatives and share his expertise.
Rick’s decades of experience in affordable housing administration helped him to anticipate challenges, which led to the development of Good Sam’s shelter network. His collaborative and compassionate style has made him an esteemed leader, touching the lives of many guests and colleagues.
“I have always felt drawn to Good Sam’s mission,” Rick said. “ When COVID occurred, the need was urgent and compelling. Our community was pulling together to support each other in ways both large and small. I thought I could contribute and help. What more could a person hope to do with their time and effort?”
“Rick is an incredible doer. He can see the potential in almost any opportunity. With his vast connections and visionary thinking, he has been able to manifest amazing opportunities,” said Board Chair Tanya Crawford-Stempel.
Under Rick’s leadership, Good Sam has transformed from a single shelter to one of Vermont’s leading shelter networks. The organization secured funding to convert a motel into a 35-bed trauma-informed shelter, expanded from one shelter with 15 beds to four shelters with 81 beds in Washington County, grew the staff from 25 to 50, and increased the budget from $1 million to over $3 million.
Recognizing the need for operational improvements during this rapid growth, Rick brought Julie on board as Operations Director. By June 2022, they were co-executive directors, combining their vision, strengths, and skills to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, historically tight housing market, phase-out of the state-funded motel program, impact of multiple floods, a worsening opioid crisis, and Vermont reaching the second highest rate of homelessness per capita in the nation.
Julie brings a strategic eye and has incredible talent for building a supportive, responsive, and ethical culture for guests and staff, raising the standards for providing services to people in need,” said Tanya.
The leadership transition marks a pivotal moment for Good Sam, and Julie is ready to advance the mission and lead the organization into the future.
“Working with Julie as co-executive director over the last two years has been the high point of my 40- year career in housing,” Rick praised. “We shared much hard work, some tears, and many laughs. I have complete confidence and trust in her.”
“It is rare to forge such a powerful, visionary, and engaging professional partnership as we have done,” Julie added. “It has been a joy working with Rick to respond to dire human needs within one of the most complex fields imaginable.”
“The path that Rick and I have set in motion has placed Good Samaritan Haven in a very strong position to respond to the many social, economic, and weather related factors driving homelessness in our community,” Julie continued. “ I couldn’t be more proud to work with such a deeply dedicated team. There is much to do, and we’re here for it.”
“The Board is excited to have Julie at the helm of Good Sam. She has demonstrated time and again the core values of the organization in her leadership, and tirelessly works with vision and a deep sense of humanity,” said Tanya.
Good Sam celebrates Rick’s incredible years of service and his numerous contributions to the community, crediting him for strengthening the organization and passing the baton to Julie’s capable hands.
When asked what he will do for fun in his free time Rick said: “Spend more time with my family and friends, and do more running and hiking. I also want to share my interest in mindfulness meditation with our guests by leading some mindfulness practice groups.”
“It has been a true honor to work with Rick and the Board is incredibly grateful for all he has given through his leadership of Good Sam, and for his advocacy and adaptability during his tenure,” said Tanya. “Having Rick continue to be a resource is not only terrific for the organization, but also speaks to his commitment and passion for this work and the Good Sam community.”
Rick leaves a legacy of compassion, dedication, insightful leadership—and an extensive community of folks who are better off for having known him and benefited from his unwavering commitment to central Vermont.