New Leadership Announced for The Dwelling Place, Columbia Heights, MN
The Dwelling Place welcomes LeNae Williamson as new Executive Director!
The Dwelling Place (Columbia Hts, MN) is a Christian ministry that for 22 years has provided healing and hope to victims of domestic abuse through supportive services and a safe place to call home. 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. Ms. Williamson follows The Dwelling Place Executive Director, Linda Wiza, who first served as a board member (six years) before taking on the role of Executive Director in 2015. At the beginning of 2020, Ms. Wiza announced her plan to retire from this position by the close of the year. Ms. Williamson begins as Executive Director on August 31st and will have the benefit of a three-month transition period with Ms. Wiza.
Under Ms. Wiza’s 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.
Prior to joining The Dwelling Place, LeNae Williamson 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.
Ms. Williamson 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 Ms. Williamson will bring her extensive experience and skills in business and nonprofit leadership along with her passion to serve women and children harmed by domestic abuse.
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.”
Mr. Anderson continues, “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.”
On October 9, The Dwelling Place will host its 22nd Annual Gala (a 45 minute virtual event) where supporters will hear from LeNae Williamson for the first time during this special “Light, Shine Bright!” time of celebration. Gala registration information is provided at http://www.thedwellingplaceshelter.org/events-calendar.