We are excited to announce that the Board of Directors has appointed Luke Rackers, formerly Director of Administration, to serve alongside Julie Bond as Co-Executive Directors.
As Good Samaritan Haven begins its fifth decade of service, the organization is returning to a shared leadership model designed to support the organization’s evolving work. The Board of Directors has appointed Luke Rackers, formerly Director of Administration, to serve alongside Julie Bond as Co-Executive Directors.
Since opening its doors in 1986, Good Samaritan Haven has grown from a single shelter into a regional network of four year-round emergency shelters, street outreach, and housing support services.
“Good Samaritan Haven is a very different organization today than it was just a few years ago,” said Board Chair Kathi Partlow. “As we’ve expanded our services and responded to a growing homelessness crisis in central Vermont, the Board carefully considered what leadership structure would best position the organization for the future.”
“Returning to a co-executive model provides the leadership capacity and sustainability needed to guide a complex organization while continuing to deliver compassionate, responsive services,” Partlow added.
As co-executive directors, Luke and Julie will leverage their complementary strengths, working together on organizational strategy while each leading distinct areas of responsibility.
Julie has served in both co-executive director and executive director roles since 2022 and brings nearly 30 years of fundraising, operations, compliance, and project management experience to Good Sam. Her background spans community development, higher education, and government and nonprofit administration. She draws on her experience in chaplaincy and restorative justice to support guests and staff.
Luke has nearly a decade of nonprofit leadership experience in operations, administration, fundraising, and community partnerships. Since joining Good Sam, they served as Director of Administration, helping develop new systems, strengthen internal operations, and support staff. Luke approaches leadership with compassion, ethical decision making, and creative problem solving.
Prior to joining Good Sam, Luke held leadership roles with the Central Vermont Council on Aging, where they developed innovative community programs, built strategic partnerships, and advanced organizational development. They were selected for the inaugural Obama Foundation Leaders USA program in 2023 and continue to be recognized for their commitment to strengthening communities through collaborative leadership.
“In this complex field, our intentional leadership model reflects Good Sam’s continued commitment to collaboration and maintaining consistent leadership in a 24-7 environment,” said Julie. “It builds partnership and rest into the role, helping to ensure long-term sustainability for both of us. I am thrilled to be working with Luke in this co-directorship.”
“I’m honored to serve with Julie, and uplift this important mission along with the board of directors, our dedicated staff, and numerous community partners, whose collaboration is essential to supporting our unhoused neighbors,” said Luke. “Good Sam’s history and work in the community is extremely dear to me, and I’m excited to bring my passion for social connection and belonging, gerontology, creativity, and organizational learning and development to this role.”
Looking ahead, Good Samaritan Haven will continue advancing several major initiatives, including relocating its Seminary Street shelter in Barre, developing a complex care shelter, expanding housing stability services, investing in staff, and strengthening community partnerships.
Together, Julie and Luke will lead Good Samaritan Haven as it strengthens services for people experiencing homelessness across central Vermont while preparing the organization for the opportunities and challenges of the years ahead.