Rescue Mission details leadership transition
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The president and chief executive officer of Fort Wayne-based The Rescue Mission will step down in March, the organization announced Monday. Pastor Donovan Coley has led the nonprofit, which provides support to individuals experiencing homelessness, since 2008.
The Rescue Mission says during his tenure, Coley was instrumental in developing the organization’s various operations, including an emergency shelter, the Restoration House and Charis House programs, and the Treasure House thrift store.
He also oversaw the development of the nonprofit’s 80,000-square-foot facility in Fort Wayne, which opened in December 2020. The facility was part of a $20 million fundraising campaign that closed a year later.
“Donovan has tirelessly given himself to serving the residents, donors and staff of the Rescue Mission over the past 15 years,” Rescue Mission Board Chairman Ostermann said in written remarks. “Our entire board could not be any more grateful for the integrity, excellence and faithful commitment with which he has led. He has been a true asset to our community throughout his tenure and, just as importantly, a wonderful friend to those of us who have known him best.”
The Rescue Mission board has begun a nationwide search for Coley’s successor. Coley did not specify what his future plans are.
“I believe 2023 is the right time for me to entrust the organization with a new leader,” said Donovan. “The Senior Leadership Team and I have laid out a vision for the organization that will guide it for many years to come. While I will miss serving at The Rescue Mission, I am truly looking forward to the next assignment and spending more time with my wife and family.”
The search for a new CEO is being conducted under the consultation of Colorado-based executive search firm Agora Search Group.