Press Release

Rebuilding Together San Francisco Hires Karen Nemsick as Executive Director

SAN FRANCISCO (June 11, 2009) – Rebuilding Together-San Francisco (“RTSF”), a non-profit that provides home and facility repairs and renovations to local residents and community organizations in need, announced today that Karen Nemsick has joined the organization as Executive Director.

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, RTSF has been a long-term community builder focused on uniting sponsors, volunteers, construction companies, and government agencies to serve the needs of lower income senior citizens, families, community facilities and schools. Ms. Nemsick will oversee and direct all aspects of the organization, with particular focus on strategic direction, daily operations, and fundraising.

“Karen is an outstanding addition to Rebuilding Together’s team, especially considering her experience in the non-profit sector with those most at risk in our community,” said Jen Glover, Board President. “With the current economic conditions and reduced funding from government agencies and sponsors, the people who suffer the greatest are in need of an advocate like Karen, and we are thrilled to have her on board.”

Ms. Nemsick has been working for over 20 years in the non-profit sector, the last 15 of which were spent in San Francisco. Prior to joining RTSF, she was a non-profit consultant specializing in operations, organizational development, training, and fundraising. Prior to that, she was Executive Director of Healing Waters, which facilitated white water rafting trips for people with HIV/AIDS. She was also the founder and director of Women in Action, an organization that used rock climbing and outdoor activities to increase women’s self-confidence and give them tools to use to address everyday challenges.

Before founding Women in Action, Ms. Nemsick was a Victim’s Advocate at the Domestic Violence Unit in San Mateo and Sacramento Counties, and also was the AfterCare Program Director at the Raphael House in San Francisco. She has also participated as a board member and volunteer with several other non-profits. Ms. Nemsick has a Masters in Social Work from California State University, and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from College of the Holy Cross.

About Rebuilding Together-San Francisco
RTSF provides repairs and renovations to San Francisco residents and community organizations in need to allow them to live and work in safety and comfort. Its programs address basic living, life event and quality of life needs of homeowners and the people served by the facilities with which it works. The work it does creates safer environments and makes it possible for people to live independently for a longer time in their own homes.

Established in 1989, RTSF will celebrate its 20th year anniversary with a charity event on October 17, 2009 to be held at the San Francisco Design Center. The event, called “Changing Neighborhoods, Changing Lives”, will have special focus on each of San Francisco’s diverse districts and the positive changes the organization has made within them. For additional information about sponsorship, ticket sales and getting involved with Rebuilding Together in any capacity, please visit the organization’s web site at www.rebuildingtogethersf.org.

RTSF is a separately incorporated local affiliate of Rebuilding Together (www.rebuildingtogether.org), a national organization that mobilizes thousands of volunteers each year and includes 225 affiliates serving 550 communities nationwide.

The recruitment and search was managed by Olive Grove Consulting (www.olivegroveconsulting.com).

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