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).
Julie Clemens
Director of Development
Julie Clemens is an experienced leader in the analysis, planning, execution, and evaluation of advancement programs. This includes supervising efforts in fundraising, marketing and communications, admissions, membership, volunteer engagement, and strategic planning.
Julie came to SHELTER, Inc. after spending nearly 30 years in development and institutional advancement in the Bay Area. In addition to more than two decades assisting local schools with fundraising strategies and execution, she also served as the Director of Philanthropy at Lindsay Wildlife Experience in nearby Walnut Creek.
Julie has a collaborative and empowering leadership style. She seeks to help staff and volunteers achieve their potential as ambassadors and fundraisers for each unique mission.
Janel Fletcher
Director of Impact and Data Analytics
Janel Fletcher is a skilled public health professional with 10 years of experience working with systems supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness and 19 years of collective experience working with health and social services agencies. As Director of Impact and Data Analytics with SHELTER, Inc., she stays abreast of policy change, evidence-based best practices, and formative research to assist Northern California communities with their goals to end homelessness.
Janel believes housing is a human right, and that the rent is too damn high. Her passion, perseverance, and tenacity are personal characteristics that drive her commitment to assist communities to end homelessness. Janel’s experience in project management, data analysis, and program evaluation have led her to believe that data integrity is key for goal setting, accountability, and measurable outcomes. Her experience as a case manager and social services supervisor will always call upon her to demand housing first.
Janel grew up in Delaware, lived in Philadelphia for 15 years, and now calls Berkeley home. In her free time, she enjoys reading and exploring the beautiful California nature scene. She has a Master in Public Health from La Salle University.
Andrea Foti
Senior Program Director
Andrea Foti oversees the Eviction Prevention and HUD Programs, and has over 18 years of experience in the public sector. Her areas of focus include community outreach, program development, and management to ensure that the agency meets financial, programmatic, and impact goals. She brings bicultural and bilingual skills and experience working in multicultural environments.
Andrea has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Universidad de la Sabana, Colombia. She also earned a Master of Organization Development from Alliant International University.
Kevin Lewis
Director of Property
Kevin Lewis has been in the affordable housing industry for over 10 years, over half that time he has been in the homeless housing sector. Starting his career in homeless housing with Skid Row Housing trust in Southern California. Gaining more experience and knowledge in the affordable housing industry in Southern California he transitioned to Northern California and began working in San Francisco with Community Housing Partnership helping to address the housing crisis in San Francisco. He is certified in Asset Management and holds a NPCC certification from Novogradac.
Kevin was born in the Midwest and spent his early career in the restaurant and entertainment industry. He holds a degree in Psychology. He first became interested in homeless housing with his volunteer work with homeless gay youth in Los Angeles and felt it was time to bring his talents to an industry that was giving back to the community.
Kim Ritchie, SPHR, PHRca
Director of Human Resources
Kim Ritchie has worked in the field of human resources for over 20 years and has a wealth of generalist experience spanning across HR disciplines including staffing, benefits, payroll, training, leave management and recruiting. She has set up and supervised numerous human resource departments, created pragmatic policies and procedures, and possesses strong interpersonal skills with both employees and executives that contribute to positive organizational dynamics.
Kim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from San Francisco State University. She is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and certified Professional in Human Resources California designation (PHRca).
Brandon Wirth
Director of Shelter Services
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.
James Worley
Program Director
James Worley has worked in the nonprofit housing industry for more than 14 years, gaining experience in homeless prevention through education, employment, case management and housing. He is a strong advocate for the underserved and is passionate about advancing the health and well-being of those in need.
As a seasoned Program Director, James has worked successfully with many different populations, including veterans, reentry, former foster youth, the chronically homeless, and those in need of mental health, substance use, and respite care services. In addition to directing outcome-driven programs, he also develops dynamic programs and systems that address a wide variety of needs in the community.
