Harmony House director sets retirement

Harmony House Executive Director Lisa Farmer is retiring from the nonprofit after eight years at the helm.

Farmer is slated to exit at year's end from the organization, which provides shelter and support services to domestic violence survivors, according to a news release. She joined the nonprofit in 2014.

"Harmony House has an experienced leadership and staff team, quality programs and is in a strong financial position. The time is right for a new leader to take the helm," she said in the release. "I look forward to spending time with my husband, who is already retired and doing all the things retired people do."

The Harmony House Board of Directors has established a succession planning team with a goal of onboarding a new executive director by the fall.

Farmer's tenure at Harmony House has been marked by several successes, including the organization's win last year of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award. Farmer has led the nonprofit to complete a $6.1 million capital campaign; construct a new shelter to increase capacity by 50%; establish a $1.7 million operating reserve; partner with The Vecino Group to develop a supportive housing project; and grow domestic violence awareness through the annual iCare campaign.

“On behalf of the board of directors, the leadership team and Harmony House staff, we want to thank Lisa for her leadership and impact," said Stacey James, board chair, in the release. "We are grateful to Lisa for her dedication to Harmony House and wish her the very best as she retires with her husband."