Dear Friends,
In these challenging times, we are pleased to announce that Mark Baetzhold has been appointed the next Executive Director of Heart, Love & Soul. After 11 years of faithful leadership, Sr. Beth Brosmer will step down from the role on September 30, 2020.
Mark brings 20 years of experience in the public and nonprofit sectors. He began his career as a Jesuit Volunteer at a Catholic Charities homeless shelter in Spokane, WA, and served as a Peace Corps Response Volunteer in Malawi in 2014-2015. Since 2018 he served as Development Director for Heart & Soul, securing more than $1.1M in grants during the capital campaign for Daybreak. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Geneseo and holds a Masters of Public Administration.
“I am excited to step into this new leadership role as Heart & Soul moves toward the future with Daybreak opening later this year, and humbled to be carrying on the legacy of Sr. Beth and all those at Heart & Soul who have worked so hard to serve the community,” Mark said.
It is with great sadness, of course, that we say goodbye to Sr. Beth. Widely-recognized for her leadership in Niagara Falls as an advocate for social justice and service to people in need, she leaves Heart & Soul in a strong position to carry its mission forward into the future.
“I have cherished every moment of the past eleven years and feel deeply privileged to have served at Heart & Soul,” Sr. Beth said. In every job, there is a time to change. Now is my time. I leave Heart & Soul with a heart overflowing with gratitude.”
Sr. Beth’s tireless work to bring Daybreak to life is part of her lasting legacy, second only to her compassion and kindness that touched our hearts and those of the people she served.
“After faithfully shepherding Heart & Soul for more than a decade, Sr. Beth’s departure leaves a big hole in our hearts,” said Board President Whitney Vantine, Ed.D. “But, at the same time, we are excited for the future that Mark’s leadership will bring.”
Please keep Mark, Sr. Beth, and all of Heart & Soul in your prayers during this time of transition. We are deeply grateful for your support as we continue fulfilling our mission to nourish all in need – body, mind and soul.