An important update from Andy Gilpin and Scott DeMarco
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Cherished volunteers, friends, and supporters,
As I prepare to step away from my role as Executive Director, I find myself reflecting on the many faces, stories, and moments that have shaped my years with CAPTAIN Community Human Services. This organization has never just been about programs or services – it has always been about people. And it has been the greatest privilege of my life to walk alongside this community as we worked together tolift people up and build brighter futures.
From the families who bravely reached out in moments of crisis, to the volunteers who showed up week after week with open hearts, to the supporters and partners who believed in our mission even in the most uncertain times – you have all left an imprint on me. I carry those stories and relationships with me.
Most of all, I’m grateful. I’m grateful for your trust, your partnership, and the countless acts of kindness that make CAPTAIN CHS what it is. Grateful for the chance to lead an organization where compassion is not just a value, but a way of life. And I'm grateful for the memories that I will hold close long after this transition is complete.
As I step back, I’m pleased to share more about the next leader who will carry this mission forward: Scott DeMarco.
Many of you already know Scott as a dedicated member of our Board of Directors. But his connection to CAPTAIN CHS goes back even further. Scott was once a CAPteen, learning firsthand what it means to serve the community with heart and humility. Since then, he’s continued to bring those values into every role he’s taken on, including his tenure as CEO of Equitable Value LLC and his years of board service.
I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Scott, and I can say with confidence that he understands this organization deeply. He knows our history, honors our values, and believes wholeheartedly in the importance of community. Scott leads with integrity, listens carefully, and is committed to protecting and strengthening the programs and services so many in our community rely on.
Please join me in welcoming Scott as he steps into this role. I know he’lllead with the same spirit of compassion and service that has guided CAPTAIN CHS for nearly 50 years.
Thank you – for everything. For the support, the encouragement, the laughter, and even the hard days we shared. This community has shaped me in ways I can’t put into words, and it will always remain a part of who I am.
With my deepest gratitude,
Andy Gilpin
Dear Volunteers and Friends,
I’m honored to write to you as the incoming Executive Director of CAPTAIN Community Human Services.
Like many of you, my relationship with CAPTAIN CHS is deeply personal. I first became involved as a CAPTeen volunteer while I was still in high school. As a teenager, I didn’t yet have language for what I was learning, but I felt it. I felt the power of showing up for one another, the quiet dignity of being seen, and the belief that community is strongest when no one is left behind. That experience shaped who I am, and it planted a seed that has stayed with me ever since.
Over the years, I’ve returned to CAPTAIN CHS in different roles, such as a board member, Treasurer, and volunteer. In those roles, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside staff, volunteers, and supporters who bring heart, skill, and perseverance to this work every day. I’ve seen firsthand how your generosity translates into warm meals, safe shelter, steady guidance, and moments of hope for children, families, seniors, and neighbors facing some of life’s hardest seasons.
At different points in my life, I’ve been drawn to a simple truth often attributed to Fred Rogers: when the world feels overwhelming, look for the helpers. CAPTAIN CHS is a community of helpers. And more than that, it’s a place that reminds us that the true measure of a healthy society is how we care for one another, especially those who are struggling, vulnerable, or unheard.
I step into this role with deep respect and gratitude for Andy Gilpin’s leadership and legacy. Andy has guided CAPTAIN CHS through growth and change while keeping staff, volunteers, and those we serve at the center of every decision. I’m thankful for his mentorship, his continued involvement, and the strong foundation he leaves behind.
As Executive Director, my commitment is simple and steady: to support our exceptional staff, to strengthen programs that meet real and evolving community needs, and to steward this organization with integrity, compassion, and care. Change can bring uncertainty, but our values of dignity, equity, self-determination, and community will remain our compass.
I believe deeply in the idea that none of us does this work alone. CAPTAIN CHS exists because people like you choose to give your time, your resources, and your trust. Whether you volunteer, donate, advocate, or simply believe in this mission, you are an essential part of the CAPTAIN CHS family.
Please feel free to reach out to me at 518-399-4624 or scott@captaincares.org. I would welcome the opportunity to connect, listen, and learn from your ideas and hopes for our shared future.
Thank you for walking alongside CAPTAIN CHS's past, present, and future. I am grateful and excited to continue this work together, lifting people up and building brighter futures, one relationship at a time.
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