An Interview with Jim Lindsay, Christ House’s New Executive Director

Meet our new Executive Director Jim Lindsay!

We are excited to welcome Jim as the Executive Director of Christ House effective January 2024. Jim previously worked at Christ House from 1987-1996.  A native of the greater Philadelphia area, Jim has lived in the Washington, D.C. region for almost 44 years.  Jim holds an undergraduate degree from La Salle University in Philadelphia and a Master of Divinity degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for supporting mission driven organizations. To better introduce Jim to our Christ House community, we sat down to interview him and learn more about what he values and looks forward to most in his new role: 

Please share a bit about your background and what you are hoping to bring to the role of Executive Director at Christ House.

For the last 37 years, I have served in the administration of faith-based nonprofit organizations.  My first job after grad school was at Christ House, so in many ways this is like coming back home. I was the Administrative Director at Christ House for just over nine years. After that, I served for 20 years as the Executive Director of Catholic Volunteer Network, a membership organization of about 200 faith-based volunteer service programs that helped place over 20,000 domestic and international volunteers throughout the U.S. and in nearly 200 countries and territories. Most recently, I worked for seven years as the Director of Administration for Christian Brothers Conference, serving the North American region of the De Lasalle Christian Brothers, an international Catholic religious community of men. I hope to utilize the skills I have developed in these last four decades in my role at Christ House. I want us to offer the best care possible and for the staff to feel valued.

What excites you most about taking on this role?

I am passionate about serving persons in need, including those experiencing homelessness. Having served at Christ House in the past, I am excited to learn how things are currently done so that I can be of the most help. I have a great love for Christ House, which has not diminished in the 28 years since I was last on staff.

What aspects of the Christ House mission and values resonate most with you?

I appreciate the holistic approach that Christ House takes in serving the men whocome to us. WhileI do not have a medical background, I do find the care given at Christ House to be extraordinary. I also am grateful for the attention given to the mental and emotional needs of our patients, including dealing with addictions to drugs and alcohol. I especially am proud to work at a place where one’s spiritual growth is valued, but never forced.

Share your favorite quote from a justice leader or from a movie and explain how it relates to how you will approach your new role.

I have often liked the quote from Pope Paul VI, “If you want peace, work for justice.” To me, this recognizes that true peace will never come about as long as all are not treated with the dignity and respect that God desires for us. 

What is one item you can’t live without and why?

Well, it’s not really an “item,” but I really need some times of silence in my day. I think our world can often be a noisy and distracting place, so I strive to carve out those moments of silence, particularly in the early morning hours and at bedtime.

What’s your New Year’s resolution?

It may sound cliche, but I really want to exercise more in the year ahead. Especially at my age, it’s important to do as much as possible to stay healthy and not to be sedentary. I don’t care so much about losing weight; I just want my pants to fit comfortably!

We are very excited to welcome Jim back to the Christ House team and are grateful to have the support of his extensive leadership background.  As we enter our 39^th year of providing comprehensive and compassionate care for our patients, the Christ House community looks forward to continuing to offer hope and healing in the coming year.