Syracuse Rescue Mission CEO Thornton to leave for nonprofit job in Washington, D.C.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse Rescue Mission CEO Alan Thornton plans to resign from his position on Nov. 17.

Thornton is leaving the organization to become president & CEO of Washington, D.C.–based St. John’s Community Services, the Rescue Mission said in a news release.

Rescue Mission COO Corey Kociela will serve as interim CEO after Thornton’s departure.

Thornton has worked for the Rescue Mission for 24 years, including serving as the organization’s CEO since August 2012.

The Rescue Mission provides programs to end hunger and homelessness in Syracuse, Auburn, Binghamton and Ithaca.

Thornton said he has “mixed emotions” about his resignation.

“I know that the executive team, board of directors, staff, and volunteers are in a tremendous place to further the shared vision of being a catalyst for unimaginable life change. It has been a dream come true to lead the Rescue Mission and its amazing team, and I am so very grateful to the board of directors for the opportunity to have done so,” he said in the release. “Looking back over the last five years, I am proud of all that we have accomplished together and the lives that have been changed as a result. Reflecting on the 24 years that I have been blessed to call the Rescue Mission my work home, I know that my life has been changed in unimaginable ways, and for that I will forever be thankful. This is an incredibly special organization and I leave here as a fan, cheering them on as they reach for new heights and see bold dreams come to fruition.”

The Rescue Mission’s board of directors is “grateful” for Thornton’s service and “looks forward to building on his efforts” with a new CEO.

“Alan’s leadership and passion for the mission and the people we serve will be missed. At the same time, we congratulate Alan on his new role and wish him all the very best,” Chuck Fennell, president of the Rescue Mission board of directors, said in the release.

Thornton’s new employer, St. John’s Community Services, describes itself as one of the oldest nonprofit organizations founded in the District of Columbia, It says it supports and advocates for people with disabilities and other social and personal challenges.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com