Crisis Assistance Ministry Leadership Transition FAQs
ABOUT THE ANNOUNCEMENT
Why is Carol Hardison retiring?
After 26 years of dedicated leadership, Carol has made the personal decision to retire. As she has shared with staff, “Life is always moving us forward, to new seasons in our lives.” Carol believes this transition will be a positive change both for her personally and for the agency, and she remains fully committed to leading Crisis Assistance Ministry until her successor is successfully onboarded.
When will Carol Hardison officially leave the organization?
Carol is not leaving immediately. She will remain as CEO through the search process and will transition out of her role after a new CEO is selected and onboarded. That transition is expected to take place in 2027.
How long has Carol Hardison served as CEO?
Carol has served as CEO for 26 years, making her only the second CEO in Crisis Assistance Ministry’s 51-year history. Her tenure is a remarkable testament to the stability and enduring impact of this organization.
THE SEARCH PROCESS
Who is leading the CEO search?
The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors has established a CEO Search Committee led by Board Chair Edwin Holland. The committee includes past board chairs, current board members, and a former Crisis Assistance Ministry customer willing to share guidance through their perspective of lived experience.
Has a search firm been retained?
Yes. The Board has retained Armstrong McGuire, one of the Southeast’s leading nonprofit executive search firms who has led the search for several successful senior leaders at Crisis Assistance Ministry, to guide the process.
What will the search process look like?
The search will be thoughtful, inclusive, and mission-centered, with broad engagement from staff, donors, volunteers, partners, and community leaders. This process will help identify the leadership qualities, experience, and vision most important for the agency’s next CEO.
When will the process begin?
The process will begin this summer when a profile of the next CEO’s traits will be developed. The actual search is expected to begin in the fall. Additional details about timing and community engagement opportunities will be shared in the coming months.
IMPACT ON THE ORGANIZATION & MISSION
Is Crisis Assistance Ministry in a stable position to manage this transition?
Yes. Having just celebrated two generations of community impact, Crisis Assistance Ministry is entering this transition from a position of organizational strength. The agency has an exceptional leadership team, dedicated staff, committed volunteers, strong governance, and a clear vision for the future. The Board and Search Committee have full confidence in the team’s ability to advance the mission throughout this process.
Will services be affected during the transition?
No. Crisis Assistance Ministry will continue to provide the full range of Housing Stability Services that Charlotte-Mecklenburg families depend on, including emergency rent and utility assistance, free clothing and household goods, and financial coaching and planning services. The work of effectively and efficiently helping families and individuals with dignity and respect will continue without interruption.
What is the mission of Crisis Assistance Ministry?
Crisis Assistance Ministry’s mission is to provide assistance and advocacy for people in financial crisis, helping them move toward self-sufficiency. Founded by local faith leaders in 1975, the organization serves as Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s trusted safety net for families facing financial hardship — especially those who are not yet homeless but struggling to stay housed and stable.
FOR DONORS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS
How can donors and partners support the organization during this transition?
Consistent and continued support from donors, volunteers, and community partners remains key to our ability to meet the growing need. Because of your generosity, thousands of families each week are able to remain safely housed and navigate some of life’s most difficult moments with renewed stability and hope. Your gifts of time, talent, and treasure make this work possible.
Where can I find updates about the search?
Additional information about the leadership transition and search process will be shared in the coming months through official communications from Crisis Assistance Ministry.