Nonprofit Downtown Streets Team Welcomes Jim Rettew as New Interim CEO
Jim Rettew steps into the role of Interim CEO for Downtown Streets Team (DST) following the retirement of CEO Eileen Richardson, the organization’s founder. Rettew is a veteran nonprofit leader with a history of critical roles at human service and environmentally-focused agencies– two areas that align with the work of DST. He recently served as the Interim Executive Director at the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP), a nonprofit on the front line of homelessness in Contra Costa County providing a family homeless shelter, soup kitchen, case work, encampment outreach, and other vital services. GRIP was his fourth interim executive director position in the Bay Area. Rettew also served as the Chief Communications Officer for the Red Cross in Colorado, the Chief External Relations Officer for the Minnesota Zoo, and Interim Executive Director for two environmental nonprofits, Environmental Volunteers and Slide Ranch. As the Vice President of Strategy for CivicMakers, Rettew led planning and design thinking for large municipalities including Berkeley, Hayward, and West Sacramento. DST’s senior leadership and Board of Directors are confident that Rettew’s extensive and diverse background makes him an ideal Interim CEO.
“It’s an honor to join the DST family to positively transform the lives of those we serve,” said Rettew. “For the last 17 years, Eileen, board, staff, and Team Members have developed this program from its conception as a daring idea into an award-winning, evidence-based homelessness intervention program unlike any other. My pledge is to continue their good work and forge an even brighter future.” As an expert in interim leadership and the area of change management, Rettew is poised to maneuver DST into the next phase of its development. DST Board Chair, Elaine Wood, echoed this sentiment: “We are so pleased to have Jim Rettew serve as interim CEO. He brings extensive and well-aligned experience to the DST mission as we move into our next era. We view this transition period as a unique opportunity to embrace our best contributions to our Team Members and to strive for new ones.”
Outgoing CEO, Eileen Richardson, adds, "As DST's founder, I couldn't feel better about handing over the reins to Jim. Jim has proven himself to be passionate, energetic, and empathetic. He’s committed to DST's vision of ending homelessness." Richardson will be honored for her 17 years of service to the cause of homelessness at DST’s Fall Fest Fundraiser on November 10.
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