CEO Transition To Take Place Mid-2022
Thistle Farms has announced CEO Hal Cato has chosen to step down in the summer of 2022.
“It is with gratitude and thanks that we will send off our CEO, Hal Cato, in 2022,” said Becca Stevens, Thistle Farms Founder and President. “Hal has been a great friend, partner, and leader at Thistle Farms. Hal is an integral part of this community and his leadership over the past 6 years leaves us feeling grateful and well-equipped for continued growth.”
During his tenure, Hal oversaw successful capital campaigns to expand facilities, a rebrand of the organization, and upgrade and expand manufacturing and operation upgrades. His open-door policy at Thistle Farms encouraged team-building, communication, and collaboration.
“Having the opportunity to lead Thistle Farms through such an exciting period of growth and evolution has been the best job I have ever had”, said Hal Cato. “I will leave knowing I accomplished what I set out to do and that our Thistle Farms community is stronger than ever. “
Recent highlights for the organization include opening the first safe house in Middle Tennessee, expanding the program serving women incarcerated in Tennessee prisons, launching a public policy office in Washington DC, and kicking-off an affordable housing initiative for women survivors.
2022 will be a banner year for Thistle Farms. The organization will celebrate 25 years of service, open a new custom-built residence for 8 more survivors, and move into a new manufacturing facility with doubling production ed operational capacity.
The leadership search will begin in the New Year under the direction of Board Chair Parag Desai of Genesco and a Board appointed search committee. More information will be available in the New Year.
