Andy Trares
Rick Kemm
May Dugan Center Board of Directors to name Andy Trares Executive Director
Trares to lead the nonprofit organization upon retirement of its longtime Executive Director, Rick Kemm
Cleveland – October 8, 2024 – May Dugan Center, a social services nonprofit organization, today announced the appointment of Andy Trares as its seventh Executive Director in its 55-year history, effective January 1, 2025.
​
Trares will be responsible for continuing to advance the organization’s mission of enriching lives and strengthening communities through comprehensive support services. With the completion of its capital campaign and subsequent building renovation, Trares will focus on the implementation of May Dugan Center’s new strategic plan. The plan’s focus is on sustainability, collaboration and people, resulting in its services being more accessible to the most vulnerable in its community.
​
Since joining May Dugan Center in 2011, Trares has established himself as a highly respected and seasoned nonprofit leader. Trares currently serves as the organization’s Deputy Director, a position he’s held since 2015. An integral part of the center’s growth, he was responsible for scaling its food distribution program over the past decade from distributing 52,000 meals annually to 624,000 last year. The program is on pace to distribute one million meals in 2024.
​
“When the Board began its search for our next Executive Director six months ago, the succession planning committee thoroughly assessed the competencies and skills that were most important to our future,” said Alexa Marinos, President of May Dugan Center’s Board of Directors. “Andy’s extensive experience, knowledge and passion for the organization made him the clear choice for this position, and we can’t wait to see May Dugan Center continue to thrive under his leadership.”
​
“I’m excited and honored for the opportunity to lead the next chapter of May Dugan Center’s story,” Trares said. “With the support of our donors and dedicated team, we will continue to serve the community for many years to come. I also want to congratulate Rick on his many accomplishments and thank him for his mentorship. My goal is to build upon his legacy and do my best to ensure that everyone we serve has access to the resources and support needed to thrive.”
Trares received a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in nonprofit administration from John Carroll University. A resident of Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood, he serves as Treasurer of the Ohio City Inc. Board of Directors and is a member of the Lake Erie Ink Board of Directors.
​
Longtime May Dugan Center Executive Director Rick Kemm is to retire at year end after a distinguished, 44-year nonprofit leadership career, including 16 years as the Executive Director of May Dugan Center.
​
Kemm joined May Dugan Center in 2008, when the organization was navigating economic uncertainty increasing the need for services. At the time, the center offered three programs and 5,000 people were served annually. Since and under his leadership, the center has grown into an established and well-respected nonprofit organization with nearly 50 employees and six core programs that help 23,000 clients annually.
​
“The Board of Directors is grateful for Rick’s mission-focused leadership. May Dugan Center has helped countless Northeast Ohio residents enrich and advance their lives under his leadership,” said Marinos. “We congratulate Rick on his well-deserved retirement and look forward to celebrating his legacy at our 15th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 5.”
​
To learn more about Kemm’s retirement celebration and May Dugan Center’s 15th Annual Tree Lighting event including sponsorship opportunities, email Beth Ann at bajudge@maydugancenter.org.
About May Dugan Center
For over 55 years, May Dugan Center has been an anchor in the near west side community as a social services center serving Northeast Ohio. Its mission of helping people enrich their lives and strengthen their communities is the heart of the organization and guides the development of programs that provide comprehensive support services.
May Dugan Center programs include: Behavioral Health Services, Trauma Recovery Center, Food & Clothing Distribution, the Education Resource Center, Seniors on the Move, and Refugee Services.
Media contact information
Beth Ann
Director of Development
216-631-5800 ext. 124