WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — Michael Redmond, who has served as executive director of the Upper Valley Haven for seven years, will step down from his role later this year.

Redmond, who joined the Haven in October 2018, will remain with the nonprofit until the next executive director is hired, according to a news release from the White River Junction-based nonprofit organization.

“This is by far the best job of my career,” Redmond said in the release. “With our great team and the broad support of the Upper Valley community, we were able to accomplish so much. I will always be extremely grateful for this opportunity.”

The Upper Valley Haven, located at 713 Hartford Ave., plays a central role in delivering social services in the region.

It started as a shelter for families experiencing homelessness when it was founded in 1980 by a group of parishioners and clergy members from neighboring St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in White River Junction and St. James’ Episcopal Church in Woodstock, according to a history posted to the Haven’s website.

In the decades since, it has expanded its family shelter, now called the Byrne House Family Shelter and a shelter for adults experiencing homelessness known as the Hixon House Adult Shelter.

The organization also has a food pantry that is open five days a week. Staff also provide an after-school program and summer program for children who live at the Haven, or have in recent years, according to the organization’s website.

The Board of Directors is working with a national search firm Isaacson, Miller to find Redmond’s successor.

Prior to coming to the Haven, Redmond worked for the Crocheted Mountain Foundation in Greenfield, N.H., according to a September 2018 Valley News story announcing his hiring. He replaced Sara Kobylenski.

For the fiscal year the ended March 31, 2024, the Haven brought in about $8 million dollars through grants, donations and other forms of revenue and spent about $6.3 million delivering services, according to its most recent 990 form, which the Internal Revenue Service requires nonprofit organizations to file annually.

“Michael has done a masterful job leading the organization as well as expanding the Haven’s opportunities for serving those in need in the Upper Valley,” Kathy Welling, president of the Haven Board of Directors said in the release.

Welling cited his leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as his work advocating and raising money for a new low-barrier emergency shelter and resource center at the former 25,000 Gifts and Woolens building at 608 N. Main St. Last fall, the Haven and Twin Pines Housing Trust worked together to open a building containing 18 one-bedroom units for the chronically homeless on property that previously belonged to neighboring St. Paul’s Episocopal Church. While Twin Pines owns the property, Haven staff provide services to the residents who live there.

“He will leave the Haven in a strong position, both financial and program operations, ready to continue its role as a leading services organization in the Upper Valley,” she said.

Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.