Cookeville Rescue Mission Hopes To Have Director By February

The search for Cookeville Rescue Mission’s next director has been extended another month as the board looks to ensure that the best candidate is chosen.

Staff Manager Ronnie Lindsey said the new hire will tasked with overseeing fundraising and connecting with other organizations. Lindsey said he and Sammy Anderson have used their combined 22 years of experience to run the day-to-day operations smoothly throughout the search.

“It’s something we did daily anyway,” Lindsey said. “There’s no changes for us. You know, Sammy did the business office, and I did the day-to-day operations with the staff and the guests, and there’s really no added pressure. Nothing’s changed on our end.”

Lindsey said the board is looking to have a director in place in February. He said the next step will involve the board of directors putting together a group to go through applications, narrow down the list of candidates, and eventually choose their ideal applicant.

Lindsey said one of the biggest challenges of the process has been finding someone who meets education requirements. He said the list of potential hires has not been narrowed down yet.

“It is very important and we’re learning this more as we’re reconnecting with the community,” Lindsey said. “That is a strong point. Reconnect and just let’s all do this together. It’s more than just The Rescue Mission doing this, it’s a community of people. It’s a village of people.”

He said interacting with and reporting to the board will be a major focus for the new director.

“I’d hope that they would think of it,” Lindsey said. “Serve the public, and most importantly, we are Christ-centered. Never forget that.”

He said with sinking temperatures and the housing market making homes less affordable by the day, now, more than ever, organizations like Cookeville Rescue Mission need to be at full strength. Lindsey said quality leadership is paramount in continuing to serve the underprivileged and unhoused community adequately.