The Network of Community Ministries, also known as The Network, has named a new president and CEO.
According to a release, Celeste Sneeze will take over as permanent president and CEO after serving in the same position on an interim basis for three months, effective Dec. 2. Sneeze previously served as The Network’s chief program officer and was unanimously approved by the organization’s board of directors.
In her previous role, Sneeze oversaw volunteers, facilities like The Network’s Community Market and client service programming. “The entire organization is excited to see Celeste at the helm of Network,” Lindsay Turman, chair of the Network board, wrote in the release. “Her deep expertise and forward-looking vision, along with her collaborative approach and ability to bring people together, will be invaluable as we strengthen our reach. Celeste’s energy and insight make her uniquely suited to guide us into the next chapter.”
Earlier this fall, it was announced that Sneeze’s predecessor, Abbie Kaufman, would step down after three years leading The Network. Kaufman left the organization to spend more time with her family and served as CEO emeritus until Oct. 30, according to a post from her LinkedIn page.
In her time with the organization, Kaufman spearheaded the addition of mental health services to its outreach portfolio and helped to transition client intake from paper to an online interface.
The release credits Sneeze with “enhancing workplace culture,” arranging a facilities maintenance contract, navigating financial constraints and organizing outreach during the suspension of SNAP benefits in her tenure as interim CEO.
“It is a profound honor to be selected to lead Network,” Sneeze wrote in the release. “While I have long respected this organization, seeing its mission and exceptional services up close has only deepened my admiration. I look forward to building on Network’s legacy and advancing the work that makes such a difference in our community.”