Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter hires new executive director

A Colorado nonprofit administrator is the new executive director of Bentonville nonprofit Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter.

Rebekah Mitchell will succeed Rick Brazile, who has served as interim executive director since November 2019.

According to a news release sent Wednesday (Aug. 25), Mitchell previously served as development director for Early Connections Learning Centers in Colorado. She has more than ten years of experience in nonprofit management with various child-focused organizations.

A graduate of Colorado College, Mitchell holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and has served as a board member and president of the Junior League of Colorado Springs and executive board member of Newborn Hope.

“I’m honored to join the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter and work alongside such an extraordinary team of talented and committed people,” said Mitchell. “NWACS is clearly a loved and vital part of the community fabric of Northwest Arkansas. I look forward to serving as an advocate for investing in our community’s children and building on the legacy of safety, care and hope that defines and distinguishes this premier charity.”

The shelter is a private, nonprofit organization that provides 24-hour residential care to children and teens who are victims of abandonment, abuse or neglect. When a child is removed from their home, the shelter is often the first place they go before being placed in a foster home.

Since 1993, the shelter has served more than 11,500 children throughout Arkansas.

Mitchell will work closely with staff and the NWACS board to expand the programs the shelter provides, including Hope Academy of Northwest Arkansas, The Shelter Shop and the Foster Parent Training Program.

Less than 18% of the nonprofit’s funding comes from the state. Three annual events — Starlight Gala, Golf Classic and Kickball 4 the Kids — contribute more than 30% of the additional 82% that the group must raise to provide its services.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rebekah to the NWACS team,” said Emily Reynolds, NWACS board president. “She truly has a dedication to serving the community and a heart for youth in crisis. Her extensive experience in organizational management, relationship-building, program execution and supporter engagement make her an excellent choice to lead the Shelter into its third decade of serving Arkansas’ children.”