Andy Bales announced his retirement earlier this year, effective December 31
Union Rescue Mission President & CEO, Andy Bales, announced his retirement from the Skid Row ministry in Los Angeles on December 31, 2023. Jeff Hudson will be taking over as interim-CEO after Bales leaves at the end of the month. Bales is relocating to Iowa, along with his wife, to be closer to his grandchildren. Bales announced just yesterday that he had taken a role as Executive Director at Children & Family Urban Movement (CFUM) in Des Moines.
The longtime President, and CEO of Union Rescue Mission, has decided to conclude his decorated tenure at the end of 2023. Andy Bales has led LA’s oldest homeless shelter since 2005 and has overseen the tremendous growth of the organization under his leadership.
Andy Bales reflected on the upcoming transition, saying it was the honor of his lifetime to serve as CEO of URM for the last 18 years. “Being called by God to lead Union Rescue Mission has been the honor of my lifetime. I have cherished every moment alongside our precious guests, selfless staff, steadfast and passionate board of directors, and dedicated volunteers,” shared Bales in a statement. “God has truly shown up in miraculous ways during my time at URM, and I am so grateful to be a part of the lives that we have helped transform. I know the organization will continue to faithfully serve the least among us. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my grandkids back in Iowa and seeing where God leads me next.”
An entire career serving others
Bales has spent his entire career, including 18 years at Union Rescue Mission, helping society’s most vulnerable and at-risk by treating them with the compassion of Jesus Christ. During Bales’ tenure at URM, the organization added two new facilities for women, children, and families experiencing homelessness – Hope Gardens in Sylmar, CA, and Angeles House in South LA. Under his direction, URM navigated the Great Recession and the Covid-19 pandemic. Bales has been one of the region’s most outspoken and influential leaders on homeless issues in Los Angeles and across the country, a vocal critic of harm reduction methods, and
a fierce advocate for recovery. He was instrumental in ending the common practice of hospital drop-offs on Skid Row, and he currently serves as an appointed member of the LAHSA Commission.
The search for a successor continues
URM’s Board Chairman David Wood shared, “It’s hard to articulate the profound impact Andy Bales has had on the cause of homelessness. Andy’s leadership has helped turn around the lives of countless men, women, and children suffering on the streets,” said Wood. “Equally important has been Andy’s powerful voice and consistent leadership for the cause of Christ-centered recovery and transformation. Andy embodies every word of URM’s mission statement: We embrace people with the compassion of Christ,” continued Wood. “Andy will leave a mark on all of us at URM – our Board, Senior Leaders, Staff, Donors, Volunteers and Partners. As we look forward to our next chapter, we will remain ever grateful to Andy, and committed to working tirelessly for our neediest.”
The Board of Directors has retained Carter Baldwin to lead the search for Bales’ successor while Jeff Hudson will serve as interim CEO effective January 1, 2024.
Final video message from Bales.
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