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TOPTON, PA (Oct. 29, 2024)\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 The Board of Directors of Diakon is pleased to announce a leadership transition as Shari VanderGast, currently chief operating officer, will assume the role of Diakon\u2019s president and CEO on Nov. 11. VanderGast will succeed Scott Habecker, who has led Diakon as president and CEO since 2021. Habecker has chosen to step down from his current position following the successful completion of multiple transactions that reposition the organization for future growth. He will offer transitional assistance to Diakon as a strategic and financial management consultant.<\/p>\n \u201cI am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have had at Diakon over the past 15 years,\u201d Habecker said. \u201cIt has been an absolute privilege to help lead the organization through its recent transformation, which has positioned Diakon to aggressively pursue its future strategic growth plans. While I can\u2019t help but have mixed emotions, I feel strongly that now is the right time for an organized leadership transition and take great pleasure in handing the reins to a seasoned leader like Shari VanderGast, who has been instrumental in all that we have accomplished over the past several years. I know she will make us all proud.\u201d<\/p>\n With strengths specifically in strategic planning and mergers and acquisitions, Habecker joined Diakon in 2009 and served as the organization\u2019s chief operating and financial officer prior to his appointment as president and CEO. Throughout his tenure, Habecker demonstrated the hallmarks of successful leadership \u2014 visionary thinking, collaboration and a commitment to long-term growth. Most recently, under his leadership earlier this year, Diakon successfully transitioned four senior living communities to the Lutheran Senior Services (LSS) organization in a move that significantly enhances Diakon\u2019s financial position and ability to aggressively grow its service offerings, including affordable housing and various social services. Habecker\u2019s continued involvement as a consultant will help provide a smooth transition and support for Diakon\u2019s future goals.<\/p>\n \u201cOver the past 15 years, Scott has provided stellar leadership for Diakon,\u201d VanderGast said. \u201cHe led the organization\u2019s transformation as we completed the recent transaction with Lutheran Senior Services. Scott\u2019s leadership and financial skills have helped Diakon to serve many individuals and families in a high-quality and financially sustainable way.\u00a0I have also greatly appreciated Scott\u2019s support and mentorship over the last ten years, and I look forward to continuing to work with him as we grow our services.\u201d<\/p>\n With this transition, VanderGast will become Diakon\u2019s first female president and CEO, marking a historic milestone for the organization. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role. She holds a bachelor\u2019s degree in human resources and labor relations from Cornell University, a master\u2019s degree in social work from Columbia University, and a juris doctorate from Temple University. VanderGast\u2019s commitment to Diakon\u2019s mission and strong leadership since 2015 make her an excellent choice to lead the organization into the future.<\/p>\n Habecker leaves the organization with substantial financial capacity and well-positioned for future growth. Habecker and VanderGast will work together over the coming weeks to ensure a seamless transition for Diakon\u2019s strategic and financial plans.<\/p>\n \u201cDiakon has been very fortunate to have both Scott and Shari in key leadership positions as we navigated challenging business conditions and effected a substantial shift in strategic direction over recent years,\u201d Diakon Board of Directors chair Emried D. Cole, Jr. said. \u201cThe Diakon board looks forward to supporting Shari in her new leadership role and thanks Scott for his strong leadership and continued assistance during this executive transition.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n About Diakon<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Tracing its roots to 1868, Diakon serves nearly 70,000 people of all faiths and ages in Pennsylvania and Maryland through adoption and foster care services, at-risk youth programs, counseling services, family reunification and preservation, affordable housing, and community services for older adults. Over 300 caring and skilled team members provide the nonprofit charitable organization\u2019s services. Additionally, Diakon administers the Pennsylvania Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN), which focuses on finding permanent adoptive homes for foster children. Diakon is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America through Lutheran Services in America, one of the largest nonprofit service networks in the United States. Learn more at\u00a0diakon.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n Information provided to TVL by: TOPTON, PA (Oct. 29, 2024)\u00a0\u2013 The Board of Directors of Diakon is pleased to announce a leadership transition as Shari VanderGast, currently chief operating officer, will assume the role of … Continue reading Diakon Announces CEO Transition from Scott Habecker to Shari VanderGast<\/span>
\nJason Kirsch<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"