After serving as CEO for Housing Opportunities for 17 years, Caroline Shook is readying to retire this December. During her time at the helm, HO grew well beyond the small organization it began as in 2000.
The organization more than doubled in staff size and grew its services and housing units beyond Porter County expanding into LaPorte County. Caroline’s leadership was instrumental in increasing programs to reach more families in need throughout Northwest Indiana.
After a lengthy search to find a deserving replacement, the Board of Directors has selected Jordan Stanfill to be Mrs. Shook’s successor. The Board of Directors Chairman, Joanne Baitup, praised Jordan and stated, “his overall work ethic, insight and forward thinking as well as his humbleness and willingness to learn new tasks is exactly what the organization needs.”
Jordan Stanfill’s history with Housing Opportunities began in 2011 as an Americorp Service Member running the agency’s food pantry. He was then hired on as a Foreclosure Prevention Counselor in July of 2012 before being promoted to the Director of Operations in February of 2014.
Since 2014 Jordan oversaw the Park Place project which opened its doors to 15 at-risk women at the beginning of this year. Jordan has assisted in sustaining grant revenue by writing, submitting and was successfully awarded competitive grants totaling 4.6 million in the last three years. Funds from these grants have helped to rehab several affordable rental apartments in Valparaiso and Portage as well as supported the permanent supportive housing programs.
Effective beginning the first of July, Jordan will be serving as the Chief Operating Officer. A team of Board and community members along with Caroline herself are in place to aid him during this transition of leadership. Mr. Stanfill will become the CEO on December 18th and is excited for the future of the organization.