Carpenter’s Shelter names new Deputy Director
We are happy to share that Carpenter’s Shelter announced Jamie Ergas as the organization’s next Deputy Director after an extensive search led by Good Insight, Ergas was the clear choice to advance the organization’s nearly 35 years of direct service to local communities.
“Jamie’s experience and insight on moving people from homeless to housed is crystal clear. Her proven abilities stood out amid a deep talent pool, from her work in direct service, to planning and implementing systems, to sound nonprofit management practices,” said Shannon Steene, Executive Director of Carpenter’s Shelter. “Her multifaceted skill set will help move Carpenter’s Shelter forward, building on our track record of service, innovation, and community engagement.”
Ergas will ensure high-quality programming and operational excellence at Carpenter’s Shelter, which offers the broadest range of homeless services of any provider in the City of Alexandria, including a 60-bed emergency residential shelter and innovative rapid re-housing and permanent supportive housing programs.
“I am thrilled to return to the nonprofit sector to serve as the Deputy Director at Carpenter’s Shelter,” said Ergas. “I wholeheartedly believe in the agency’s mission and values, and I am grateful for the opportunity to join a passionate and innovative team dedicated to ending homelessness.”
About Jamie Ergas
Jamie Ergas has worked in homeless services for 15 years and brings direct practice, policy development, grants management, data analysis, and system planning experience. Ergas started in homeless services as a street outreach volunteer and first participated in the annual Point-in-Time count in Harrisburg, PA in 2007. For the next 10 years, she had the privilege of working for Shelter House, Inc. in Fairfax, VA, beginning as an intake coordinator in the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter and ending her tenure as the Chief Operating Officer.
Most recently, Ergas served as the Continuum of Care Manager in Fairfax County’s Department of Housing and Community Development’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness. In this role, she managed the homeless services system’s state and federal funding, supported the governance of the continuum of care, and streamlined processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Ergas holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work and is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW) in Virginia.
About Carpenter’s Shelter
Carpenter’s Shelter believes housing is key to stability. We offer shelter and comprehensive services for children, women, and men experiencing homelessness, with the ultimate goal of transitioning those we serve to permanent, sustainable housing.
Since its inception in 1988, Carpenter’s Shelter has focused on the most under-resourced residents in Alexandria, Virginia, and serves more than 600 individuals annually.
About Good Insight
With a mission to connect good causes to great leaders, Good Insight is an executive search firm and governance consultancy serving the social sector. They plan leadership transitions, recruit talented senior executives, and strengthen boards of directors. Good Insight focuses on leadership searches for small and mid-sized nonprofits with a nationwide reach. To learn more, visit www.good-insight.org.