Cindy Shafer, Network of Community Ministries’ president and CEO, announced April 4 that she will retire from her position at the Richardson-based nonprofit later this year.

“During the past 5.5 years, Cindy has fearlessly and effectively led Network through unprecedented growth and change,” board Chair Monica Scott said in a statement. “By strengthening partnerships with both the city of Richardson and [Richardson ISD], leading a new facility project, expanding programming, and establishing a vision for growth, Cindy has expanded Network’s community presence and placed the organization in an excellent position for continued success.”

Network is a nondenominational, community-based nonprofit organization serving over 60,000 individuals annually in the Richardson area. Programming at Network includes emergency services, including food, clothing, utilities and rent; mobile food distribution; a dental voucher program and more.

Officials at Network said in a press release that plans for an executive search are underway.

Shafer has witnessed the nonprofit’s growth since arriving at Network in 2016. During that time, the number of individuals served annually has grown to 67,000, while operating revenues have increased to over $8 million and staff has grown to 22 people, according to a press release.

While operating as Network CEO, Shafer led the charge to expand Network’s reach across its large service area by mobilizing food distribution services and bringing the first mobile food pantry to Network in 2019.

Shafer was also credited for orchestrating Network's acquisition of a 50,000-square-foot facility in Richardson. Opened in September, the building is located at 1500 International Parkway and is four times larger than the organization’s previous location on Sherman Street.

“I have been blessed to be a part of such an incredible journey at Network over the past 5 ½ years,” Shafer said in a statement. “The organization is now in a strong position, and the timing of this transition provides me the opportunity to refocus on my family. I feel very comfortable that Network is in a healthy place with an incredibly capable board and staff, as well as extremely supportive stakeholders and partners. I am confident that a smooth leadership transition will take place and I look forward to staying involved in the process.”

For more information on Network, visit www.thenetwork.org.