Melissa McKeown takes reins

Melissa McKeown is our new Chief Executive Officer, taking over with the retirement of longtime CEO Kathy Bragg. 

McKeown joined the Shelter as part-time bookkeeper in 2010 and worked through several client service positions before being named chief operations officer in 2017. She served as a family services case manager, was promoted to senior case manager and then promoted to director of client services.

As COO, she has overseen the daily operations of the Community Shelter, including the multiple food support components, emergency adult and family housing, rapid rehousing initiatives plus volunteer support.

“The board is grateful for the dynamic leadership of Kathy over the past 10 years and where she has brought the agency. We also know that Melissa’s multi-faceted experience with the Shelter makes her the perfect choice for our new CEO, and she will continue to grow the agency’s success,” said Penny Hefner, chairman of the board.

“Melissa has helped us transition from a long-term transitional shelter into a broad emergency services program that encourages rapid rehousing into independent living. She understands our mission, not only intellectually but also with her heart.”

The Community Shelter is the county’s only full-service emergency shelter, meal and food provider and rehousing program.