Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I would like to publicly recognize Kristie Askew for her leadership and tenure as executive director of GUEST as she transitions out of that position into full-time ministry. Rev. Askew was a founding member of the organization and became their executive director just before the Covid-19 pandemic began. In total, she has been a part of GUEST for over 10 years.

Rev. Askew led GUEST through the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic and developed the program into the community resource it is today. Leadership in that moment required compromise and vision—discerning the best in an impossible situation. She kept the mission of GUEST at the forefront: providing emergency shelter to those experiencing homelessness. Rev. Askew led the Board through that time and insured that GUEST was able to continue its assistance to the most vulnerable in Gloucester despite the challenges faced.

Today, GUEST continues the work of supporting those experiencing homelessness. ...