Serenity House seeking new executive director after resignation

Twelve people have applied so far, but the board said it is looking for candidates who are better qualified.

Kim Leach

Kim Leach

PORT ANGELES — The executive director of Serenity House of Clallam County has resigned and the board is seeking applicants for the position.

“We began planning for this transition in July when current ED Kim Leach decided to relinquish her position to spend more time with her family,” said Scott Schaefer, board president.

The last day for Leach, who became executive director in January 2015 of the nonprofit dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness, will be Friday.

Twelve candidates have applied so far, Schaefer said, but the board is seeking candidates who are better qualified.

“We need more applications,” he said Tuesday.

“It’s a big job and a critical part of the community safety net.”

The position will pay between $62,000 and $65,000 annually, he said.

Leach, who had worked at Serenity House in a variety of capacities before she became executive director, said she is looking forward to spending time with her three grandchildren who live in the Midwest.

“I’m proud to have been part of an agency whose mission is to help people have a home, the most basic of needs that every human being deserves and wishes for,” she said.

“Serenity House staff and volunteers have worked hard to stabilize the agency while keeping their focus on the mission of preventing and ending homelessness.”

Schaefer said the board is pleased with the work that has been done in implementing the agency’s 10-year plan.

“Kim and our entire staff have been focused and dedicated to the mission to end homelessness, and that effort has paid off,” said Schaefer, adding that more than 4,100 individuals were served by Serenity House in 2015.

The position is being advertised locally and through statewide and regional networks. A full job description is available upon request by emailing serenity@serenityhouseclallam.org.

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Executive Editor Leah Leach can be reached at 360-417-3530 or at lleach@peninsuladailynews.com.

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