NICK EMMENDORFER, the district representative for Congressman Jack Bergman, has been selected as the new executive director of the Room at the Inn.
He’ll replace Doug Russell who was terminated from his job a couple of months ago.
Emmendorfer is only 28 years old, an NMU graduate, and a longtime volunteer at RATI.
“He’s going to be a dynamic leader,” says board chairman John Sonderegger. “He’s a smart young man who’s very well-spoken. We need someone who can communicate well with the community.”
Emmendorfer starts his new job on February 14th.
RATI, which provides housing for the homeless (along with meals, showers, and counseling at the Warming Center), has faced some challenges recently.
Not only was its executive director terminated, but three board members resigned, and two staff members were dismissed.
The hope is, the appointment of a new executive director will stabilize the situation. Even with the disruption at the top, RATI has continued to provide continuous service to the homeless.