WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — An executive at a Burlington-based nonprofit organization is poised to become the Upper Valley Haven’s next leader.
Will Towne, chief operating officer at Spectrum Youth & Family Services in Burlington, will start his new role as executive director of the Upper Valley Haven in mid-November, according to a Monday news release from the Haven, a White River Junction-based nonprofit organization.
Towne will replace Michael Redmond, who is retiring after leading the Haven for seven years.
“Will impressed our Search Committee with his deep knowledge of housing and the needs of people experiencing homelessness, as well as his thoughtful, approachable leadership style,” Kathy Welling, president of the Haven’s board of directors said in the release.
Towne, who holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vt., has worked at Spectrum since 2013, according to a biography posted on Spectrum’s website.
Spectrum operates drop-in centers for people ages 14 to 24, and emergency shelter and transitional housing programs for young people ages 16 to 24 in both Burlington and St. Albans, Vt.
At Spectrum, Towne served as residential staff, a case manager, intake coordinator, and supported housing manager before rising to chief operating officer.
In his role as chief operating officer, Towne “oversaw agency-wide operations, expanded programs and facilities, and led initiatives in property development, fundraising, and policy creation,” according to the release from the Haven.
The Upper Valley Haven, which serves more than 10,000 people per year, operates two shelters at its White River Junction campus, along with Parkhurst Community Supportive Housing Services.
It also operates a food pantry, children’s programs, a winter shelter in Lebanon and is in the process of building a low-barrier shelter in White River Junction, which is scheduled to open in June 2026.
“The Haven represents hope and resiliency at a time when the needs of our communities are growing,” Towne said in the release.