Families Together Update - Executive Director Retirement Announcement

Dear Families Together Friends and Supporters,

On behalf of the Families Together Board of Directors, I am writing to share some bittersweet news. Our Executive Director, Jennifer Paul, has notified the Board of Directors that she will retire at the end of February 2027. For the last 11 years, Jennifer has made a tremendous impact on Families Together, first as our Director of Development and, since 2023, as our Executive Director. Families Together has nearly tripled in size to a staff of 20 and a $2.4 million budget during that time. Today, our team delivers critical housing and supportive services to hundreds of Wake County families with children every year.

We are deeply grateful for Jennifer’s service to Families Together, this community, and most importantly, to the many families who have been assisted during her tenure. Jennifer’s unshakable commitment to our mission has guided us through seasons of growth, challenges, and transformation.

Thanks in large part to Jennifer’s vision and leadership, we are positioned well to step into the next chapter. During the coming months, Jennifer will continue to lead our talented and tenured staff as we focus on our mission of serving families who are facing hardships from housing insecurity. The Board of Directors has hired moss+ross to lead a national search for our next Executive Director.

The extended timeline will allow us to be thoughtful and inclusive in the assessment of our needs, rebuilding stronger after the fire and charting a course in our changing world, and in our search for the next leader for Families Together. The public phase of this search will begin in the September timeframe. Meanwhile, any interested candidates can contact Carrie Gray at moss+ross at cgray@mossandross.com. In the upcoming months, we will celebrate and express our profound gratitude for Jennifer’s numerous accomplishments, which have propelled Families Together to its current success.

Thank you, Jennifer, for your years of service, your extraordinary leadership, and lasting impact, and for continuing to advance a vision of a community free of homelessness, with families thriving together.

Please see below for a message Jennifer asked me to share with you.

Sincerely,

Catharine Staley

Families Together Board President

One of the greatest joys of my 11 years at Families Together has been the opportunity to partner with so many dedicated friends and supporters. To me, Families Together reflects the best of our community – one that is caring and united in a belief that every family deserves a home and children should never have to wonder where they’re going to sleep at night. Your special commitment, encouragement, and contributions have helped shape Families Together into a welcoming place where hundreds of children and their families find life-changing support each year. While I may be stepping away from my leadership role next year, I am committed to doing everything I can to support a successful leadership transition and will always remain a champion of Families Together.

With my deepest gratitude,

Jennifer Paul