Kirsten York joined MSC as our new CEO on October 2, 2023. We asked her a few questions before she started and here’s what she shared.
Why MSC?
MSC’s mission of building a future without poverty by creating pathways to help, hope, and dignity for our neighbors is directly aligned with the values I hold as a leader and will work diligently to embody as the next CEO of MSC. By aligning our agency values with excellent client service, healthy and diverse teams, and a lens of equity, the future of MSC under my leadership is full of hope, joy and prosperity for our organization and community.
Tell us about yourself.
I have worked in a similar agency for 15 years in a variety of roles and have learned community based organizations are my life’s work. My roles have included working with a large range of programming, to include: energy assistance; weatherization; homeless services; affordable housing maintenance and expansion; child abuse prevention and treatment; food distribution; and many others. I enjoy having a career aligned with my values to show up with a positive impact in my community. I have a Bachelors degree from Western Washington University and a Master in Public Administration from The Evergreen State College.
For fun, I enjoy being in the beautiful outdoors hiking, biking, and playing or watching soccer! I love spending quality time with my kids and partner, my family and friends, especially when we are able to share a meal.
What are some opportunities you see for MSC in the future?
As I settle into this role, I will increase my knowledge of the opportunities the staff and community see for MSC’s programs, client service models, and outcomes in order to find avenues to move the organization toward its best future. In conjunction with the Board of Directors, we can elevate the impact of MSC and increase collaborative partnerships to braid and blend funding to enhance services to clients.
Any challenges?
As with most social service organizations, MSC will face a new normal post-COVID, rapid change in funding dynamics and regulations, as well as a shifting workforce. Challenges will be best addressed with a collective team effort, ensuring we have a strong foundation of values to move through difficult moments. I am certain we will meet those challenges head on and grow from them.
What is your vision for MSC?
My vision for MSC is to continue to be a proactive advocate with established and potential partners, making certain they know the community value that MSC provides in their assistance to low-income individuals and families.
We will continue to ensure we reach those in our community who need our services most. As well as operationalizing equity within our organization on behalf of our staff, and also in our service delivery models on behalf of our clients.
I look forward to learning more from the staff, board, and community about their hopes for the vision of the organization and how we can move toward this vision together.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Community action is my life’s work; I am dedicated to representing this organization each day with integrity, passion, joy, innovation, honesty, patience, and strength. I strive to embody the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, using these same tenants in establishing a workplace culture where we all have safety and belonging.
