A Time for Transitions and New Beginnings!
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens... ”
The Process of Leadership Transition Has Begun!
In January of 2020, The Dwelling Place Executive Director, Linda Wiza, announced her intent to retire by the close of the year. Linda first served as a board member for six years before taking on the role of Executive Director in 2015. Under her faithful leadership, The Dwelling Place established a strong foundation for ministry and service, expanded its capacity with the addition and renovation of two safe transitional houses, increased staff, and strengthened relationships within the community with partners and supporters that encompassed churches, county agencies, area businesses, and individuals.
Roy Anderson, The Dwelling Place Board Chair, stated, “We are so grateful for Linda’s strong leadership over the past five years as Executive Director that followed six years with The Dwelling Place Board. Linda’s love for The Dwelling Place is unmistakable! The Lord used her to advance and strengthen the ministry in such a meaningful way, and we are encouraged to know that she will continue to be involved in the future as a volunteer supporter.”
Following her announcement, a search process began to identify and select a new leader for The Dwelling Place Ministry. After a nine-month process, a Search Committee and the Board of Directors unanimously selected LeNae Williamson to serve as the next Executive Director for The Dwelling Place.
Today (August 31, 2020) marks the beginning of this new season for The Dwelling Place as LeNae Williamson assumes the duties of Executive Director. It is a significant step in the transition process for both women as LeNae will have the benefit of a three-month transition period with Linda. This is a positive and healthy example of successful transition process that recognizes God’s faithful provision! This is a season when honoring the faithful leadership experience of the exiting leader (Linda Wiza) becomes a strengthening and empowering opportunity for the entering leader (LeNae Williamson.)
Prior to joining The Dwelling Place, LeNae served as Development Manager at Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities for the past 6 1/2 years. Her responsibilities included the Major Gifts Team and sharing the story of Union Gospel Mission out in the community. She is originally from Minnesota and earned her BA degree in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of St. Thomas. LeNae is a single parent of two grown children, a son and a daughter.
LeNae is passionate about helping women discover and become their authentic selves through trauma informed care and bringing the love of Jesus into every situation. She loves collaboration and team building and is constantly striving to help others utilize the gifts and talents that God placed within them. The Dwelling Place anticipates LeNae will bring her extensive experience and skills in business and non-profit leadership along with her passion to serve women and children harmed by domestic abuse.
Mr. Anderson states, “LeNae Williamson joins us with a good balance of private business and nonprofit experience. We are encouraged by her heart for our mission and her proven ability to develop and nurture strong partnerships. LeNae’s faith and dependence on the Lord immediately attracted us to her. She is an accomplished and gifted leader and we have every confidence that she will continue to develop and grow The Dwelling Place ministry to fulfill its mission to transform lives through Christ’s love.”
We thank God for His grace and goodness! We seek God’s favor and blessing on both Linda Wiza as she transitions from her leadership role as Executive Director of The Dwelling Place and for LeNae Williamson as she transitions into her leadership role as Executive Director of The Dwelling Place. It is a new beginning for each one and a new season for The Dwelling Place!