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John Eckstrom
Chief Executive Officer

John Eckstrom has more than three decades of executive, financial and nonprofit leadership experience. John is a former CEO of Haight Ashbury Free Clinics, Inc., (a world-renowned San Francisco-based nonprofit whose mission is to provide primary care, substance abuse treatment and mental health counseling to homeless and low-income individuals). He led the organization to a new level of success, developing and expanding two out-patient service centers and creating a new strategic vision for integrated health services. Using his San Francisco experience, John has defined a strategy for SHELTER, Inc. that addresses the growing crisis of homelessness in the Bay Area.

John was born in San Francisco and raised in central Contra Costa County. He graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Psychology and has extensive coursework in Music, Mathematics, and Computer Science. Early in his career, Mr. Eckstrom was a leading and innovative technology executive and a charter member of the AAAI (American Association for Artificial Intelligence).

Jennifer Niklaus, MA, LMFT
Interim Chief Executive Officer

Jennifer Niklaus is a nonprofit executive and licensed marriage and family therapist with more than 30 years of experience leading organizations that address homelessness, poverty, domestic violence, and the needs of vulnerable populations. Throughout her career, she has held executive leadership positions at Community Solutions, Sacred Heart Community Service, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, and HomeFirst, where as the CEO, she led organizational growth, expanded funding, and strengthened program outcomes. 
Prior to joining SHELTER, Inc., Jenny served as Principal Facilitator and Chief Facilitation Officer at ALF Insights, guiding executive leaders and organizations through strategic transformation and community impact initiatives. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, commitment to equity, and ability to build strong partnerships that advance lasting social change. Jenny holds a B.A. in Psychology from UC Davis and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University.

Liz Schaffer
Interim Chief Financial Officer

Liz Schaffer is a nonprofit finance and operations leader with more than 20 years of experience guiding mission-driven organizations through growth, transition, and organizational change. She has served as an interim CFO, chief operating officer, and trusted advisor to nonprofit boards and executive teams, helping organizations strengthen financial systems, build leadership capacity, and achieve long-term sustainability.
Prior to joining SHELTER, Inc., Liz was a leader in BDO’s Nonprofit & Grantmaker Advisory Practice, providing interim executive and financial leadership to organizations nationwide. Her previous leadership roles include Chief Financial Officer at TNTP, Chief Operating Officer at Global Fund for Women, and Chief Financial and Operating Officer at Women’s Funding Network. Liz is also co-author of Financial Leadership for Nonprofit Executives: Guiding Your Organization to Long-Term Success and has taught nonprofit financial management at UC Berkeley and the University of San Francisco.

Brandon Wirth
Vice President Programs

Brandon exercises executive oversight of all SHELTER, Inc.’s programs in Contra Costa, Solano, Sacramento, and Marin Counties. Brandon Wirth has a background as an executive leader and consultant in organizational health, non-profit services, operations management, and educational administration. He has helped groups create and execute strategic plans for immediate and future results.

Brandon exercises executive oversight of all SHELTER, Inc.’s emergency shelter programs in Contra Costa, Solano, and Sacramento counties. He is also responsible for achieving program outcomes, staffing and operational structure, and budget development.