Dear Friends of Shepherd’s House,

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It’s a deep honor to write to you for the first time as the Chief Executive Officer of Shepherd’s House Ministries.

I step into this role with a profound sense of humility and gratitude. The impact this ministry has had in Central Oregon is the result of many faithful people—staff, volunteers, donors, prayer and community partners—giving their time, resources, and hearts to care for our most vulnerable neighbors. I’m beyond grateful to be stepping into a story that so many of you helped write.

My family has called Bend home for many years, and it has been a wonderful place to raise my three daughters. It’s easy to celebrate the beauty and adventure of this community, but we also know many of our neighbors are quietly carrying deep hardship. I’ve long admired Shepherd’s House Ministries' commitment to meeting people in those moments with compassion, mercy, dignity, and hope. We often say that grace changes everything, and I believe that with all my heart. I see it in the way our staff walks alongside people in incredibly difficult seasons—with patience, compassion, and gentleness. I see it when those who have lost everything begin to find stability and hope again, and when the humans we serve, who once felt forgotten, discover they are seen, known, and loved.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve had the privilege of serving Shepherd’s House Ministries during a season of significant growth. Much of my background has focused on helping organizations, such as Shepherd’s House, navigate change, growth, and strategy while preserving the heart of their mission and culture. Before working as a consultant, I spent many years working with those affected by trauma, spending time with people on their very worst day as an ER nurse. Looking back, I can see how I was quietly being prepared for this new chapter with Shepherd’s House Ministries.

I can’t begin to tell you what an honor it has been to work alongside our former Executive Director, Curt Floski.  He has become a true friend, and in addition to shaping Shepherd’s House with his vision and faithful service, he has taught me a great deal about recovery and grace. I’m so grateful for his leadership and the foundation he built. I’ll never fill his shoes, but my heart and intention are to protect, grow, and steward the beautiful work he began.

As we look ahead, I’m excited about what God has in store. The needs in our community are great and become more complex with each passing day.  But the opportunity is also growing to respond with compassion, wisdom, and grace.

Thank you for being such an important part of this mission. I look forward to continuing this critical work alongside you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to those of you who serve, pray, partner, and care for the vulnerable in our community. It is truly an honor to be in this role and to walk forward together with you.

With deep gratitude,

Gina