The Hesed House Board of Trustees has selected Michael Cobb as the organization’s new Executive Director, replacing Ryan Dowd who has been with Hesed House for 14 years, the past eight years as its Executive Director. Dowd recently resigned from Hesed House to relocate to Washington, D.C. where he will start his own not-for-profit, The Center for Faith and Human Rights. Cobb will begin his work at Hesed House on September 16th.
Michael Cobb has dedicated his life—and career—to serving the less fortunate in our communities. Prior to being named Executive Director of Hesed House, he served as the Interim Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer for South Suburban PADS, an interfaith agency serving the homeless population in over 52 communities in suburban Cook County. While at PADS he oversaw the successful completion of a 77-unit Permanent Supportive Housing apartment complex specifically for those who are experiencing homelessness.
Before PADS, Michael served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the Glenwood School for Boys and Girls, a private residential/educational center for at-risk youth located in St. Charles. He served faithfully for 14 years with nine of those years leading the St. Charles campus.
Cobb holds Business and Masters of Science in Management Degrees from National Louis University.
He and his wife, Evelyn, are longtime residents of the Fox Valley and are involved with various ministries and have a long-standing commitment to serving in the Fox Valley Corridor.
In a recent transition announcement to Hesed House staff, donors and the wider community, Dowd reflected, “It has been a joy and an honor to serve with all of you – as well as the homeless families and individuals in our community – for the past fourteen years. I look forward to seeing what Michael, the Hesed House team and valued supporters can accomplish over the next fourteen years!
