The Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry (ACCHH) announced Wednesday that it is launching a search to find a new CEO for GRACE Marketplace.

The ACCHH Board of Directors is seeking someone to replace John Thomas, who was appointed interim CEO in September 2024.

“We’re not just looking for someone to run the day-to-day,” said Kevin Spellicy, board chair for GRACE Marketplace, in a press release. “We want a leader who truly cares about people – someone who listens, builds trust, and brings the kind of heart and steady leadership it takes to make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors experiencing homelessness.”

The ACCHH board is “seeking a leader with a collaborative and transparent leadership style, strong financial and fundraising skills, and a passion for low-barrier, housing-first, and person-centered approaches,” according to the release.

The ideal candidate will have a deep commitment to serving vulnerable populations while being a results-driven professional with a strong understanding of the systemic inequities that contribute to homelessness.

Thomas was named the interim CEO after Jon DeCarmine, who joined GRACE as CEO in 2017, stepped down at the end of 2024. Thomas, the vice president of advancement who started with GRACE in 2019, was selected to fill the interim role until a comprehensive search for the next CEO.   

“Under his stewardship, the organization has flourished, improving the lives of our neighbors experiencing homelessness,” Spellicy said of DeCarmine. “We are immensely grateful for his vision, passion, and commitment to our mission and wish him nothing but the best.” 

While leading the nonprofit, DeCarmine oversaw 3,100 people move off the streets and into permanent housing—adding to a 47% reduction in Alachua County homelessness, according to GRACE Marketplace. 

Interested individuals can learn more about the opportunity and apply at www.gracemarketplace.org/executivesearch