New Community Engagement & Housing teams

Dear Friends,

I am extremely pleased to announce the promotion of Emily Farley as Director of Community Engagement. Emily has been part of the Bert Nash Center team since September 2014. The new Community Engagement team is made up of what was formerly the Development and Communications teams. Besides Emily as Director, the Community Engagement team will include Jeff Burkhead, Communications Manager, and a Community Engagement Coordinator.

Emily is responsible for overseeing our Building Bert Nash initiative by planning, organizing, and directing all the Bert Nash Center’s sustainable funding efforts & community relations programs. She’s passionate about being able to connect with individuals who wish to demonstrate their own passion for mental health through community advocacy and financial support.

Emily has over 13 years of experience in public health. Prior to working at the Bert Nash Center, she worked at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in the Bureau of Public Health Emergency Preparedness. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Baker University in mass communications,  and earned her master’s degree from the University of Kansas in public administration.

In addition, I’m excited to announce the promotion of Mathew Faulk as Director of Supportive Housing. Mathew joined the Bert Nash Center team in March 2007. With the addition of Transitions, the Bert Nash Center’s new transitional housing facility, which opened early this year, Supportive Housing is the Center’s fastest growing team. Supportive Housing also includes the transitional group home Bridges and the 911 Ohio apartments. He also oversees the Center’s Homeless Outreach and Benefits and Entitlements teams.

Mathew’s goals are to continue increasing the available affordable housing stock and supportive services for the City of Lawrence and Douglas County community, and to significantly reduce the number of households suffering severe housing insecurity.

Please join me in celebrating our new Community Engagement and Supportive Housing teams and congratulating Emily and Mathew on their new roles. For more information on the Bert Nash Center’s leadership team, please visit our website.

Sincerely,

Patrick Schmitz

Chief Executive Officer