The following press release is courtesy of Lifebridge.

At the Nov. 16, 2011 Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors, Lynda Fairbanks-Atkins was announced as the newly appointed President of Lifebridge in Salem, as Andrew Oliver concludes nine years of dedicated service to the organization.

A resident of Marblehead, Oliver has overseen significant advancements at Lifebridge during his tenure by forming a Long Range Planning Committee; supervising the purchase of the former St. Mary’s Church buildings on Margin Street; a name change from The Salem Mission to Lifebridge; and most recently the initiation of formal college courses for Lifebridge residents in partnership with Salem State University.

With a declared goal of ending homelessness in Salem and on the North Shore, Andrew Oliver, his board, and the Lifebridge staff created a now-acclaimed model of integrated housing and support services which empower people to leave homelessness behind. Last year alone, Lifebridge placed nearly one person a week into permanent housing. “It has been my unbelievable privilege to lead Lifebridge, and I no doubt that I shall miss it fiercely, even though I am staying on the Board where I shall give Lynda my total support,” Oliver stated.

“I am humbled at being chosen as President of such a life-changing organization with a remarkably dedicated staff,” said Lynda Fairbanks-Atkins. “Without Andrew’s vision and commitment, Lifebridge would not be what it is today, and we are all so grateful.” Presently a resident of Lynn and formerly of Topsfield, Fairbanks-Atkins has served three years on the Lifebridge Board and brings with her extensive expertise in non-profit management and fundraising. She first became acquainted with the former Mission when she began to serve dinner with a church group, which she still does.

A gala celebration of Andrew Oliver’s leadership and vision at Lifebridge is planned for Spring, 2012.