Kate Barrand to Retire as CEO of Horizons for Homeless Children

Kate Barrand, the President and CEO of Horizons for Homeless Children, has announced her intention to retire after a decade of leading the Massachusetts nonprofit. Since taking the helm in 2015, Barrand has overseen a period of significant growth and structural transformation for the organization. Under her guidance, the nonprofit expanded its reach and modernized its approach to supporting families in the shelter system. The Board of Directors has initiated a formal leadership transition process to ensure the organization's continued stability during this period.

Infrastructure and Programmatic Expansion

One of the primary achievements of Barrand’s tenure was the successful completion of the Edgerley Family Horizons Center in Roxbury. This $55 million project created a unified headquarters that houses early education classrooms, family support services, and administrative offices. The facility serves as a model for integrating high-quality childcare with social services for families experiencing homelessness. This investment has allowed the organization to increase its daily enrollment capacity and provide a more stable environment for children.

The organization also expanded its Playspace program, which now operates in more than 90 shelters across the state. This initiative provides trauma-informed play areas staffed by trained volunteers to ensure children have a safe place to learn and grow. Barrand focused on the importance of early intervention, recognizing that early childhood experiences are important for long-term success. By scaling this program, the nonprofit has reached thousands of children who would otherwise lack access to structured play.

Financial health and organizational sustainability were also central to Barrand’s strategy over the last ten years. She led several major fundraising initiatives that secured the capital needed for the Roxbury facility and expanded the annual operating budget. These efforts have diversified the donor base and increased private sector support for the organization’s mission. The nonprofit now operates with a stronger financial foundation to meet the growing demand for its services in Massachusetts.

"It has been the greatest honor of my career to lead Horizons for Homeless Children and to witness the resilience and strength of the families we serve every day. I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished together to provide children with the early education and support they need to thrive."

— Kate Barrand, President and CEO at Horizons for Homeless Children

Leadership Succession and Future Strategy

The Board of Directors has established a search committee to identify a successor who can maintain the organization's current trajectory. This committee is collaborating with an executive search firm to conduct a national search for the next leader of Horizons for Homeless Children. The search will prioritize candidates with a background in nonprofit management and a commitment to early childhood advocacy. Barrand will continue to serve in her current capacity until the board appoints a new chief executive later this year.

The incoming leadership will face the ongoing challenge of addressing the rising rates of family homelessness in the region. Horizons currently provides services to more than 2,000 children each week, focusing on those from birth to age five. Future initiatives are expected to include the expansion of the organization’s advocacy work at the state level. The goal is to influence policy changes that provide more permanent solutions for families in the shelter system.

Maintaining the quality of the teaching staff remains a key priority for the organization during this period of change. The nonprofit has implemented new training programs to support educators who work with children affected by trauma. These investments in human capital are designed to ensure that the transition in leadership does not impact the daily experience of the children in the program. The board expects to name the new CEO by the end of the current fiscal year.

The retirement of Kate Barrand marks a significant milestone for the nonprofit sector in Massachusetts. Her decade of service has left a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of children and families. As the organization moves into its next chapter, it remains focused on its core mission of breaking the cycle of homelessness through education. The upcoming leadership change offers an opportunity to build on a foundation of growth and financial stability.