After 13 years of service, Greg Markle will be retiring as Executive Director in the spring of 2024. Greg joined Operation Fresh Start in March 2011 and has led the organization through tremendous growth.
“Greg’s leadership over the past 13 years has been nothing short of transformative for OFS,” says Erica Nelson, OFS Board President, “During his tenure, he has worked alongside incredible staff to expand outreach, programming, and community partnerships while always steadfastly centering the needs of young adults in Dane County. As a result, OFS is a place where emerging adults can find a supportive and compassionate home away from home that meets them where they are to accomplish their educational and career goals and ultimately go the extra step to foster their dreams. This is the legacy that Greg leaves behind and one we will tirelessly continue to maintain as the organization moves forward.”
Here are some of the incredible accomplishments that have transpired under Greg's leadership thanks to the tenacious support of staff and community partners:
Our new home at 2670 Milwaukee Street was renovated by participants and able to serve twice as many young adults following the success of a $4.5 million capital campaign.
OFS grew from a single-focus program to a multi-service organization with high school completion, career coaching, driver's license attainment, and multiple industry-specific training tracks.
The Legacy program transitioned from a GED program to a partnership with Madison Metropolitan School District, providing our graduates with high school diplomas and thus better employment opportunities.
Individual, community, and company support grew from $100,000 annually to $1 million annually in contributions.
Over 3,000 young people were empowered on a path to self-sufficiency through education, mentoring, and employment training.
The OFS Board of Directors is establishing a hiring committee and will be conducting an inclusive and transparent search process in the coming months, anticipating hiring a new Executive Director by spring 2024. In the meantime, Greg will continue leading OFS with the same commitment, integrity, and focus he has practiced in the last 13 years.