A note from our Harold Simon, the executive director and publisher of Shelterforce:
Dear friends and colleagues,
I’m writing to let you know that after 26 years, I’ll be stepping down from my role as Shelterforce’s executive director and publisher on May 8. I do this with more than a little sadness, but it is time for me to move on and clear the way for the next generation.
Harold Simon has been Shelterforce’s executive director and publisher for the last 26 years.
It’s been a great honor working with and for you all. Over the years I have had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with so many of you all over the country. I’ve met community developers and organizers working in urban and rural areas—from small and large organizations—who are building housing, creating jobs, and assuring that equity is the guiding principle for everything we do, from our own work to the public policies that affect our communities. I’ve never ceased to be impressed by your commitment, insight, and compassion. It’s hard to imagine a field with nicer people.
The work of Shelterforce will be essentially unchanged once I leave. In 2010 Miriam Axel-Lute became editor and under her leadership Shelterforce has never been better, both as a useful tool and a really good read. Over the past six years we’ve built a great editorial team that includes Lillian Ortiz, Keli Tianga, and most recently Elizabeth Oguss and Samantha (Sam) Fields. They’re responsible for the hundreds of articles posted each year, our quarterly print magazine, and our weekly e-newsletter, all of which they write and edit with professionalism, energy, and kindness. The accolades you’ve given us over the years belong to Miriam and her crew!
I’m lucky that, in spite of changes in the world around us that run from awesome to terrifying, I’ve been able to come to work with great people who are as compassionate as they are talented. They are the perfect reflection of you, our readers and our friends, who have made our struggles against the challenges we’ve faced worthwhile.
While I am stepping down as executive director, I’m not disappearing. I will continue in a different role still to be decided. Whatever role the future holds for me, I hope I have the opportunity to continue to work with you.
Thanks for your support and friendship!
With affection,
Harold Simon
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