After a rigorous search process, Springs Rescue Mission's Board of Directors has named Jack Briggs the organization's next President & CEO. He is expected to assume that role in October, taking over for Larry Yonker."I look forward to working hard and carrying on the incredible work of Larry and the SRM team, and making sure we don’t lose sight of Larry's amazing vision," Briggs said. "That vision — loving bigger and interacting as neighbors — is the bedrock of SRM. God is present at Springs Rescue Mission, and I'm excited to be a part of that — to make space for Him to work in these people's lives."For Briggs, this will mean a return to Colorado Springs from the East Coast, where he has served as New York University’s vice president of Global Resiliency and Security since retiring from the U.S. Air Force in 2017.He lived in Colorado Springs briefly as an infant before his military father was transferred to Hawaii, and then to California. Briggs returned to the area in 1982 to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, graduated in 1986 and then headed to pilot training. He spent the first 20 years of his 31-year military career as a pilot before ascending to leadership, eventually becoming a major general. His final role in the Air Force was as director of operations for U.S. Northern Command headquarters in Colorado Springs.Briggs served on Springs Rescue Mission's Board of Directors from 2016 until he left for New York in 2017.“Jack’s resume speaks for itself, but what really struck us was his passionate heart for the work we’re doing and the people we serve," said David Houle, who chairs the Board of Directors for Springs Rescue Mission. "This goes well beyond just another job for him — it’s a personal calling.”Briggs and his wife have been married for 32 years and have three children together: a 19-year-old son, a 23-year-old daughter and a 27-year-old daughter. Part of his draw to the Mission is a compassion for homeless veterans and people struggling with addiction and alcoholism. But ultimately, his acceptance of the role as President & CEO of Springs Rescue Mission is an expression of his faith and obedience to God."This feels like a calling to me — I feel called back to Colorado to help," he said. "I knew that one day God would ask me to serve and that I needed to obey; and it's an honor to do that."

Keep an eye out for more about Jack and his story in our September Newsletter and on the SRM blog!

In case you missed it, current President & CEO Larry Yonker announced that he will step down from his role as SRM's leader this Fall before retiring from the organization in December. CLICK HERE to read the announcement, which includes his reflections on life, leadership and the incredible growth of Springs Rescue Mission as a Community of Hope for Colorado Springs.Subscribe to our blog to learn more about Springs Rescue Mission and the people we serve — people who have seen tough times but are committed to breaking the cycles of homelessness, hunger and addiction in their lives. We see stories of hope and transformation lived out every day, and we’d love to share them with you.