Craig’s Doors Welcomes New Executive Director
Shari Carlson is the new executive director at Craig's Doors.
Source: Craig’s Doors
Following an extensive search, Craig’s Doors has appointed Shari Carlson (she/her/hers) as its new Executive Director, officially beginning her role on December 15, 2025. Shari brings 30 years of experience in social services and housing, supporting a diverse range of communities and populations.
Shari began her professional journey as a Peace Corps volunteer, serving in the Republic of Congo and Côte d’Ivoire. There she developed hands-on experience creating programs in communities with limited resources. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley, with a double major in social welfare and dramatic arts. She later earned a Master of Business Administration from George Mason University, deepening her leadership, operational, and strategic skills needed to guide a nonprofit organization.
“At this unprecedented time of uncertainty and instability across the U.S. and globally, I cannot think of a better place for me to be than joining the team at Craig’s Doors,” said Carlson. “Craig’s Doors has an incredibly talented and caring staff who serve unhoused and marginalized community members with tremendous compassion. I am honored to join this team.”
Carlson has extensive experience managing trauma-informed programs across nonprofit agencies and state government social services. Her work has supported diverse populations, including underserved individuals, seniors, and families navigating homelessness, domestic instability, and health or mental health challenges. Most recently, she served as Director of Resident Services at Fellowship Square Foundation, the developer and owner of a regional portfolio of HUD-subsidized supportive housing for extremely low-income seniors in the Washington, D.C. area.
The Board of Directors expressed confidence that Shari’s leadership will uphold the organization’s mission and values while guiding its future growth.
“Shari brings both expertise and vision to Craig’s Doors,” said Gerry Weiss, President of the Board. “Her extensive background in organizational leadership at social services and housing providers will help the organization build on its strong foundation and ensure it can respond effectively to the increasing need for shelter and resources in our community.”
With Carlson’s leadership, Craig’s Doors is well-positioned to further strengthen its programs and partnerships while remaining grounded in compassion and dignity. As winter conditions intensify, the organization remains committed to providing emergency shelter and essential resources to the unhoused population in Amherst and Hadley.
To learn more about Craig’s Doors, visit craigsdoors.org.