Jun 25

Jun 25 Friends of the Homeless announces leadership changes

Shelter Manager Greg Dunk

The Friends of the Homeless Board Of Directors, at their recent meeting, confirmed several staffing changes. The board renewed the contract of Shelter Manager Greg Dunk. Mr. Dunk will now manage day to day operations of the shelter while focusing on the supervision of the part-time staff and nurturing external partnerships. He started employment with Friends of the Homeless as a part-time staff in 2019 and assumed the full-time position of Shelter Manager in 2021 upon the retirement of long time Shelter Manager, Jasper Newborn. The board voiced their enthusiasm for Mr. Dunk’s continued key role and leadership with the shelter.

The board acknowledged the retirement of Executive Director, Sue Norcross, effective September 1, 2026. Ms. Norcross joined the staff in 2016 following her retirement from SAFE of Lenoir County after serving as their Executive Director for over 30 years. The Friends of the Homeless Board of Directors expressed appreciation for her 10 years of outstanding leadership.

Brenda Griffin will fill the position vacated by Ms Norcross. Ms. Griffin is a retired educator and brings a wealth of experience in volunteerism, as well as resource development. She will officially begin her job as Executive Director on September 1, 2026. Ms Griffin will be the board liaison for the overall operation of the shelter and will work very closely with Mr. Dunk in expanding the shelter’s volunteer support and external partnerships. Her primary focus will be resource development insuring the continued success of the shelter in meeting the needs of the homeless of Lenoir County and their families.

Danny Rice, Friends of the Homeless Board of Directors President commented, “Sue has done an outstanding job in the past ten years including spearheading several key program changes to serve women and children. The board is very excited about the future for Friends of the Homeless under the leadership of Greg and Brenda. We feel we are well postured for the challenges and opportunities the future holds as we seek to provide quality support for the individuals who are homeless in our community and their families.”