Rebuilding Together Names Charles Shimanski President and CEO

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Jul 30, 2013, 11:00 ET

Experienced Nonprofit Leader to Head Safe and Healthy Housing Organization

WASHINGTON, July 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Rebuilding Together today announced that after an extensive nationwide search it has elected Charles S. Shimanski as president and chief executive officer (CEO). Shimanski will join Rebuilding Together on August 26, 2013.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090421/REBUILDINGLOGO )

As president and CEO, Shimanski will have responsibility for the overall management of Rebuilding Together, a national non-profit organization of nearly 200 affiliates and close to 200,000 volunteers that provide $160 million in critical repairs and renovations for low-income homeowners and communities annually. He will be responsible for developing, establishing and implementing strategic goals for the organization. Additionally, Shimanski will be the key liaison to the Rebuilding Together affiliates across the nation, working with them to develop resources and services to help them better serve their communities through safe and healthy housing. He also will serve as the primary spokesperson and national fundraiser for Rebuilding Together.

"Charley's strong experience and knowledge of nonprofits, fundraising, and affiliate relationships will help guide Rebuilding Together to best serve its vision of a safe and healthy home for every person," said Brad Segal, chairman of the Board of Rebuilding Together. "Charley has the leadership and relationship-building skills necessary to engage with stakeholders to best steward the needs of our affiliate network, and bring volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of low-income homeowners in need."

Shimanski joins Rebuilding Together from the American Red Cross, where he has served since 2008. Shimanski worked at Red Cross national headquarters since 2010, most recently as a senior vice president of Development and as senior vice president of Disaster Services. Prior to that, he was CEO of the Red Cross regional office in Denver. During Shimanski's tenure at the Red Cross, he created and implemented fundraising campaigns, led major disaster relief programs and worked closely with affiliate organizations.

"It will be an honor to lead Rebuilding Together and to deliver to our most vulnerable populations the foundation they deserve," said Shimanski. "I look forward to engaging with Rebuilding Together's stakeholders, especially the affiliate network, and to developing a plan for future growth."

Previously, Shimanski was president and CEO of the Colorado Nonprofit Association from 2004-2008, and served as the executive director of The American Alpine Club in Colorado from 1993-2004.

"Building successful relationships with affiliate organizations is an essential talent of our new Rebuilding Together CEO," said Kathy Greiner, Rebuilding Together national board member and National Affiliate Council chair. "We are confident in Charley's ability to effectively engage with our network and we look forward to working with him."

Shimanski is the author of several guidebooks on nonprofit excellence and individual giving. He has served on the National Advisory Council for the Department of Homeland Security/FEMA, and on the National Advisory Council for the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative at Harvard University. Shimanski received his B.A. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin.

ABOUT REBUILDING TOGETHER
Rebuilding Together is a Safe and Healthy Housing organization that believes Community Starts at Home. Our focus provides critical repairs, accessibility modifications and energy efficient upgrades to low-income homes and community centers at no cost to service recipients. Our impact extends beyond the individuals served to revitalize and stabilize vulnerable neighborhoods and communities across the country. Our close to 200 local affiliates complete nearly 10,000 rebuild projects a year thanks to the efforts of nearly 200,000 volunteers from corporate partners, skilled trades professionals and everyday good citizens. Join us — visit www.RebuildingTogether.org.

SOURCE Rebuilding Together