BRADENTON, Fla. — Kathleen Cramer was recently chosen as the executive director of Turning Points, a nonprofit with a mission to prevent and reduce homelessness in Manatee County.
After a 30-day overlap to ensure a smooth transition, Cramer will take the reins from current executive director, Adell Erozer, who is retiring after a 15-year tenure with Turning Points. Because of Erozer’s leadership and vision, Turning Points grew from a small, single-focus agency to the current multi-program, one-stop center that provides services to more than 10,000 clients each year. She has celebrated many accomplishments over the years, but the establishment of the medical and dental clinic program has made a profound impact on the community. The clinic provides more than 8,000 complimentary visits annually to the uninsured, underserved in the area, totaling more than $24 million of free dental services since its March 2009 inception.
Cramer brings 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a wealth of knowledge in team building, community engagement, fundraising and planned giving to the organization. Previously, she has held management-level positions with a variety of nationally recognized nonprofits, including the United Way, American Red Cross and American Heart Association.
Most recently, Cramer served as a licensed financial advisor
with a Fortune 300 not-for-profit organization. The Michigan native also worked as the managing director of a
children’s grief center, where she led strategic and day-to-day operations of
the branch. Cramer provided oversight of all programs and compliance for onsite
and school-based programming that served more than 700 children annually. In
her tenure, program services were increased by 33 percent and $3 million raised
toward the capital campaign.
“Adell will be greatly missed by all, and we are so appreciative of the strong foundation she has laid for Turning Points,” said Mark DeHaan, Turning Points’ president and board chair. “In our search for a new executive director, the board wanted a leader who shared our values and matched our commitment to this much-needed mission. The leader had to be an exceptional strategic thinker with the vision to build upon Turning Points’ successes over the last 25 years, and we found that in Kathleen. Her zeal for our cause will ensure a continuity of strong leadership for our clients, dedicated staff and compassionate volunteers. We are thrilled to have Kathleen guide us forward.”
Under the supervision and guidance of the board of directors, Cramer will be responsible for the planning, organizing, staffing, directing and management of Turning Points’ commitment to serving individuals and families struggling with issues related to homelessness.
Talent management company MBJ Group spearheaded the nonprofit’s search for the position.
“It was evident that Turning Points has passionate and committed staff, volunteers and board of directors, and I am personally connected to their meaningful work,” said Cramer. “I grew up in an ALICE family myself, and it’s an honor to provide a compassionate environment where families, very much like my own, can secure the resources they need and respect they deserve. It is my goal to build upon the accomplishments of the past 25 years with a focus on expanding the nonprofit’s impact and reach in the community.”
Cramer earned her bachelor’s degree in interpersonal and public communication from Central Michigan University.
About Turning Points
Turning Points is a nonprofit that provides, coordinates and facilitates services to men, women and children to prevent and reduce homelessness in Manatee County, Florida. Turning Points and the Bill Galvano One Stop Center partners provide a variety of services designed to assist individuals and families on their path to financial stability and independence. The nonprofit offers employment services, rental and utility assistance, veteran’s services through employment, housing and childcare assistance, free medical and dental care for the uninsured and underinsured and day resource services, such as hot showers, laundry services, clothing and food. More than 10,000 people received help last year with critical services. For more information, visit tpmanatee.org.
About MBJ Group
Founded in 2000 by Mary Beth and Jim Bos, MBJ Group is a talent management company. The husband-and-wife team has over 60 years of combined experience paired with the creativity, human capital and strategic resources to get the optimal performance from an organization. The premier provider’s services include employee, group and individual talent management solutions, job placement, staff development and strategic services, executive recruitment and onboarding and transitioning services. For more information, visit MBJGroup.com.
For more information, please contact:
Alicia King Robinson
360AliciaK@gmail.com
941-716-4434
