New guiding hand

Shortly after parting ways with longtime Executive Director Bill Such, the Jesus Center has named its next leader—Laura Cootsona.

Cootsona (pictured) has long worked with homeless people as a volunteer at the Jesus Center and previously served as assistant director from 2003 to 2006, according to a press release from the organization. She has more than 20 years of experience as a consultant for nonprofits and has worked with the Torres Community Shelter, ARC, Catalyst Domestic Violence Services, Youth for Change and the Skyway House.

“I am both thrilled and humbled at this opportunity,” Cootsona said in the statement. “My commitment to the poor, particularly folks living on the streets, has been my first love since I was an undergraduate.”

She'll start on Oct. 26.