People’s Place executive director Del Failing announces retirement
People's Place Executive Director Del Failing announced at the July board of directors meeting that he would be retiring. Failing has served as executive director since October 2010, upon the retirement of Mike Kersteter.
He was hired at People's Place in 1990, bringing 11 years of social services experience with him. His began his career with the agency as a program director for a homeless shelter and then as a program director providing case management for the homeless. In 1997 he was selected as the associate director of the organization.
During Failing's tenure, People's Place has seen substantial growth, especially in the provision and expansion of services for youth within the state. This growth includes opening second locations for the Residential to Alternative Detention Program and the Independent Living Program. He was also a very active participant in the acquisition of the Whatcoat Social Service Program in 2009.
"Del has done an excellent job managing the business of People's Place as executive director for the past six years", said Harvey Marvel, president of the People's Place board of directors. "He has led the organization to significant levels of growth, while maintaining a balanced budget through tough economic times. He is a passionate ambassador for the mission of People's Place, and we appreciate his service as executive director and also his 26-year career with People's Place. Del will be missed, but his successor will have a strong foundation to work with because of his career with the agency."
Del will formally retire Saturday, Dec. 31. The board has launched a search for a new executive director and plans to find a successor by November to ensure a smooth transition.
Failing said, "It is with mixed emotions that I have decided to leave the organization, but I feel that this is the right time for me to retire. I am ready to slow down and move on to the next phase in my life. I look forward to spending the future traveling and spending time with family and friends. People's Place will continue to be a great organization because of its loyal and dedicated employees who work tirelessly every day to help people have a better life. There is no greater mission than that. I feel privileged to have worked for the agency for 26 years, and I am confident that People's Place will continue to provide valuable resources and services to our community. We have only been able to accomplish what we have because of community support, the partnerships we have developed with organizations and businesses, and the many donors that believe in our mission. I cannot emphasize enough how important this community has been to the agency's longevity and success."
Founded in 1972, People's Place, a nonprofit organization, provides a wide range of mental health and social services throughout Delaware. People's Place is dedicated to becoming the agency of choice to help people find their path to growth and independence. For more information about programs offered to Delawareans, go to www.peoplesplace2.com.
