Susan Johnson of Dennis has been named executive director of the Cape Cod Times Needy Fund.
Johnson has an extensive career in nonprofit management including as executive director for Cape Cod Village, Harwich Ecumenical Council of the Homeless and Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Cape Cod. She recently served as co-director and director of operations at Cape Cod Museum of Art. Johnson is also a co-founder of Katelynn’s Closet, a local nonprofit providing necessities to children in need.
“I am so excited to accept the position of executive director of this well-established and well-loved organization that has such a strong and committed board, staff, and donor base,” said Johnson. “I can think of no greater honor than serving my community by assisting our neighbors, many of whom face financial hardships throughout the year due to high housing costs and related economic instability issues.”
Johnson said she is impressed with the Needy Fund’s responsiveness and its flexibility. She singled out the Major Crisis Relief Fund, a program of the Needy Fund, for providing vital assistance to those hit hardest by the pandemic.
Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst and graduate leadership certificates from Suffolk University and the Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University through the Institute for Nonprofit Practice. She is also a Martha Beck Wayfinder Life Coach and expects to complete a certification through the International Coaching Federation in 2022.
“We are thrilled to welcome Susan as the next executive director of the Cape Cod Times Needy Fund,” said Peter Meyer, publisher of the Cape Cod Times and president of the Needy Fund board of directors. “Her passion, commitment, and experience leading nonprofit organizations will help ensure a bright future for the Needy Fund, as we plan to respond to new challenges and roll out an ambitious new strategic plan.”
Meyer also praised outgoing executive director, Betsey Sethares, for “25 years of outstanding service.” Under Sethares’ stewardship, the Needy Fund has grown from a small provider of holiday meals to a thriving nonprofit serving about 4,000 clients each year.
