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3 minutes reading time (549 words)

Meet Terri Sharpp, Vice President of Operations

Terri Terri Sharpp joined The Night Ministry as Vice President of Operations, a new position for the agency, in 2021.

Terri Sharpp brings a wealth of experience in finance, human resources, and strategic planning to her role as Vice President of Operations at The Night Ministry. We asked her to share about her background and her role at the agency.

Please tell us about your professional background.

My professional background includes diverse experience in government, higher education, public schools, and nonprofit sectors. I have had the pleasure of working in the financial arena throughout my career and added on human resources when I started working for school districts about 10 years ago. I've always been able to work in environments that allowed me to give back and make a personal difference.

What lead you to join The Night Ministry?

I was approached by an executive recruiter and upon reviewing the work of The Night Ministry, along with the mission and the vision, my interest was piqued. I've always wanted to give back to the communities that look like me and joining The Night Ministry staff gave me an opportunity to do so.

What about the agency's mission appeals to you?

The fact that we focus on human connection and receive everyone as they are. This opens the door to assist those in need without judgement. Our clients experience homelessness for various reasons, and I believe it is important to provide open doors to all who are in need without question.

What does your role as Vice President of Operations entail?

I have the opportunity to serve staff and clients from the back office. My team provides vital services to keep the Night Ministry running efficiently. I oversee finance, human resources, facilities, and IT. These are areas that impact all levels of operations, and I have a unique view from behind the scenes. I also serve in a strategic capacity and assist in shaping the direction The Night Ministry moves in.

What are some of the challenging aspects of your job?

A current challenge is identifying and hiring staff to serve our clients. The work that we do on the front lines is challenging and has been nonstop throughout the pandemic. We strive to attract those who understand our mission and are committed to serve. The Night Ministry is impacted by the current staffing shortages, and we consistently seek alternative methods to attract candidates.

What are some of the rewarding aspects of your job?

Having the opportunity to work with such a talented and committed group of people. When you look at the staff and see the tenure of so many exceeding 10 to 15 years, it says a lot about the organization and the work that we do. It's refreshing to see staff enjoy the work that they do and their commitment to transform lives.

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1735 North Ashland Avenue, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60622 | 773-784-9000
The Night Ministry is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Our Federal Tax ID (EIN) is 36-3145764.