07 Feb Meet Michael Alexander, The New Executive Director of the PRC

Change is never easy. However, when Michael Alexander took over the helm of the Pawling Resource Center last December following the departure of former executive director Olga Brandenberger to care for family in Florida, change was inevitable, and Michael made the transition smooth…and yes, easy.

When speaking to Michael, it would be hard to miss the hint of a southern drawl in his speech. Although he grew up in Georgia, Michael’s deepest roots are right here in Pawling, and he happily spoke a bit about his ancestral tree. “My family history traces back to Pawling,” he said, “through my maternal seventh great-grandparents, John Regan and Patience Rider. Their son, Thomas Regan, my sixth great-grandfather, was born in Pawling in 1756.  He married Deborah Benedict, my sixth great-grandmother. Deborah’s father, Ebenezer Benedict, was born in 1748 in Norwalk, CT, but died in 1803 in Pawling.” So, it seems as though Michael’s return to our little corner of the world may be somewhat providential.

Michael’s background in not-for-profit management also runs deep, as he brings with him a wealth of experience. Most recently, he worked for the ARC Mid-Hudson-Holmes as a residential coordinator, providing supervisory, leadership and management skills to this agency that serves families and individuals in Ulster, Greene, and Putnam Counties. Prior to relocating to southeastern New York, he served as assistant director of operations for Shelter House, Inc., in Falls Church, Virginia; and regional director of Sober Living America, in Greenville, South Carolina.

With a Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management from George Mason University, Michael not only has experience working with those who are among the underserved, but his caring, kindness, and depth of knowledge put the PRC squarely into the capable hands of someone who is passionate about serving those in need. “I find true fulfillment in the nonprofit world, where I can make a meaningful difference while building a rewarding career,” he shared. “The daily sense of purpose and tangible impact are invaluable, and those rewards are priceless to me.  I am eager to lead the Pawling Resource Center into a new era of service, collaborating with our dedicated volunteers, community agencies, and local businesses to compassionately meet the needs of all residents in the greater Pawling area.”

The Board of Directors of the Pawling Resource Center welcomes Michael to the PRC and the Pawling community. His seventh and sixth great-grandparents would be proud and full of wonder at his return,and at the vital role in which he seems destined to make a difference.

–by Susan Stone