Jacksonville Beach, Fla. (May 31, 2023) – The executive committee of the Mission House Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Lucas Seilhymer as executive director, following a national search to replace Carina Saladino who left the organization last year.
Seilhymer will assume the role on July 17, 2023, after relocating from Danville, Ill. where he was CEO of Project Success of Vermilion County, a nonprofit organization that empowers children and families to achieve their highest potential. He led Project Success’ 18 sites and one community center serving more than 1,000 children and families each year by providing homework assistance, tutoring, credit recovery, and many academic enrichment programs.
“It’s an honor to have been selected to serve the men and women who are affected by homelessness in the Jacksonville Beaches community,” said Seilhymer. “I’m thrilled to be relocating to the area, and I’m already humbled by the outpouring of community support for Mission House.”
Prior to Project Success, Seilhymer served for five years as the executive director of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Vermillion and Edgar Counties, a nonprofit that provides children in foster care with a judge-appointed CASA volunteer to represent the best interests of the child. He also served in AmeriCorps VISTA with the Star of the Sea Foundation and holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of Illinois.
Seilhymer will work closely with Michaele McAvoy who has served as interim director for the past year and will resume her duties as associate director. She’ll continue to be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of Mission House, including the Crisis Care and Clinic programs, while also overseeing the grant process.
“The board is thrilled to welcome Lucas to Mission House. We’re confident that with his previous experience and immense skill set, he will guide the organization to the next level, helping put more people on the path to independence in our community,” said Billy Wagner, board chair. “And we simply can’t thank Michaele enough for leading with passion, dedication and grace during this interim period.”
Mission House is the only day facility in Jacksonville Beach working to end homelessness in Northeast Florida by providing health care and supportive services, including food, clothing, and case management, to inspire hope and rebuild lives. For more information regarding Mission House, visit www.missionhousejax.org. Media inquiries may be directed to Lisa Luther.