HANDS welcomes new executive director

ORANGE, NJ — The board of directors of HANDS has announced the hiring of Luther Flurry to succeed founding Executive Director Patrick Morrissy, who retired from the position on Dec. 31. Known for his leadership in cross-sector partnerships, strategic planning and financial management, Flurry is the former executive director of the Montclair Center Business Improvement District. Working with municipal government, local stakeholders and private developers, he led $2 million in local investment that attracted more than $300 million in private investment in Montclair.  By elevating downtown vibrancy, visibility and local economic development initiatives, that organization improved the built environment and the business environment. Prior positions at the F.B. Heron Foundation and Citizens Committee for New York City immersed Flurry in finance, resource development and management and administration. He was the principal of a residential and commercial real estate firm for nine years.

“Luther’s skills at consensus building and problem-solving on the local level and his experience in the world of nonprofits and foundations equip him to move HANDS to the next phase of growth and impact,” said Elliott Lee, chairman of the HANDS board of directors.

“During the HANDS’ Thirty Years of Impact anniversary year, we will begin to write the next chapter of community service.”

“I am honored to follow Pat,” said Flurry. “Pat has left a beautiful and indelible mark on Orange, a wonderful staff and an amazing board. Moving forward, HANDS will continue to be the catalyst for urban renaissance in the city of Orange.

The HANDS board of directors honored Morrissy at its 17th annual Community Leadership Awards on Dec. 7 as the consummate community leader.  Morrissy has guided the organization’s strategy of high-impact neighborhood development, with a focus on repurposing chronically vacant and deteriorated houses and former industrial buildings and engaging the community to participate in comprehensive planning, advocacy and resident leadership development.

During his tenure, HANDS rehabilitated or built more than 188 pivotal properties that are catalysts to spur private investment, assisted more than 120 families in buying an affordable home and engaged thousands of residents to make their voice heard in determining the future of their community.

  HANDS, Luther Flurry