In March, Rob Roy McGregor began his role as executive director of LISTEN. Rob is from Canaan, New Hampshire, and has served with YMCA and YMCA International for 30 years. His past experiences in fiscal management, fundraising, organizational visioning, community engagement, and authentic leadership will be vital to growing LISTEN as the organization seeks to continue to provide crisis intervention.

In addition, Rob owns Wescott Farm, an organic farm with the primary purpose of addressing food insecurity in the community. Through sustainable farming techniques, the farm produces healthy foods to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations.

Since Rob has joined the LISTEN team, staff and volunteers have been getting to know their new executive director while learning his leadership style. Rob has clear goals and objectives. Go take a look at the whiteboard in his office! But he’s also leading with listening ears, paying attention to the viewpoints and suggestions from staff and the community.

Rob shares, “I want to help deepen the impact LISTEN is programmatically making throughout the Upper Valley and celebrate the profound impact LISTEN volunteers are making.” He explains that LISTEN is already an amazing nonprofit, and this opportunity is the perfect intersection of his “passions and expertise in nonprofit management, Goodwills and thrift stores, and food insecurity.”

The organization is currently in need of volunteers in the thrift stores and food pantry. Thrift stores are located in Lebanon, Canaan, and White River Junction. Volunteers help sort items. The food pantry is open Mondays from 12 to 4pm and Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. Volunteers help clean, stock, assist clients, and unload large deliveries.

If you’d like to learn more about how LISTEN is meeting the needs of those in the Upper Valley community, visit the LISTEN website and consider supporting this organization and its mission to build a better Upper Valley community for all.