Harmony House names executive director

Provided by Harmony House

Jared Alexander has served the last three years as the nonprofit's philanthropy director.

Harmony House is promoting from within for its new executive director.

Jared Alexander, the nonprofit's three-year philanthropy director, is scheduled to start in the top role on Dec. 19, according to a news release. He succeeds eight-year leader Lisa Farmer, who previously announced plans to retire from the organization.

"Jared will bring additional leadership, energy and creativity to the organization’s programs along with a deep sense of commitment to our community and the mission of Harmony House," said Stacey James, board chair, in the release. "We feel confident that Jared is exactly the person we need as we prepare for the retirement of Lisa Farmer."

Alexander will assume day-to-day operations and lead fundraising efforts for the 44-employee organization, which provides shelter and support services to domestic violence survivors. Harmony House has served more than 20,000 people since it launched in 1976, and its annual operating budget is $2.6 million, said Jackie Langdon, Harmony House's communications director.

In 2021, 394 people were served through Harmony House's shelter, 62 received services through its outreach program, 812 were helped by the nonprofit's Springfield Police Department victim advocate and 258 were assisted through its navigators at the Greene County Family Justice Center, said Langdon.

"This mission is critical to so many in our community, and I look forward to continuing to provide life-changing resources for survivors while moving our mission forward for the future of our community’s well-being," Alexander said in the release.

Alexander will step into the top role as the nonprofit works to increase outreach efforts via prevention education and expansion into new areas, as well as establish an endowment, according to the release.

During the search process, the Harmony House board established a committee to help find its next leader. Langdon said 10 applicants were interviewed for the role, and Alexander was one of two finalists.

Before joining Harmony House, Alexander worked for nearly 11 years at Boy Scouts of America's Ozark Trail Council, ending that tenure as development director, according to his LinkedIn profile.