Listen makes interim director permanent

Kristi Lenart-Rikert (Courtesy photograph)

Kristi Lenart-Rikert (Courtesy photograph)

Published: 12-23-2024 5:01 PM

LEBANON — The Board of Directors of Listen Community Services unanimously voted to make the nonprofit’s interim executive director permanent.

Kristi Lenart-Rikert became the permanent director on Dec. 19. She had been in the interim role since August when she replaced Rob Roy McGregor, who left after less than 18 months on the job. Lenart-Rikert had previously served as the organization’s development director.

“Her immediate priorities include building LISTEN’s capacity to meet increasing needs and expanding opportunities for community members and leaders to work together to improve the lives of individuals and families in the Upper Valley,” according to a Dec. 20 news release.

Listen is a Lebanon-based nonprofit that helps Upper Valley residents “secure the resources that they need to be safe, warm, fed, and housed,” according to their website. Its services include operating three thrift stores, running a food pantry in Lebanon, helping community members pay their heating bills, and serving free dinners in White River Junction on weekdays.

The organization “is currently serving 81% more people than during the peak of the 2020 pandemic shutdown,” according to its Fall 2024 newsletter.

Before coming to Listen earlier this year, Lenart-Rikert worked as director of operations at Easterseals Vermont, a nonprofit that works with the Department for Children and Families to find family-centered solutions for children and parents.