Friends of Boston’s Homeless’ Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Carrie Coughlin as its next Executive Director, effective February 4th, 2025. Carrie comes to FOBH after a successful tenure at MAXCourage.
John Rosenthal, Founder and Board Chair, says, “We believe that Carrie is the ideal choice to succeed Mariann Bucina Roca. Mariann has served the organization for an incredible twenty-seven years. During her tenure, FOBH has delivered on its charter to bridge the gap between public and private sector funding. Since 2009, FOBH has helped over 5,000 people move into safe, dignified housing. Today, 90% of those housed with our help remain in their homes. The Board and I look forward to continuing this important work with Carrie as our new director. She is dedicated to FOBH’s critical mission, brings an impressive track record of fundraising experience, and has a strong network of colleagues and partners in Boston.”
A native of Boston, Carrie has worked in the nonprofit sector for thirteen years. She spent seven years at Julie’s Family Learning Program, a multigenerational approach to supporting mothers and children to break the cycle of poverty. She left Julie’s to join Mother Caroline Academy, Boston’s only tuition free option for girls, spending three years as part of their leadership team. She joined MAXCourage, an educational nonprofit supporting middle school students, as Executive Director in 2021. Under her leadership, MAXCourage’s program grew 140% in three years, with revenue increases to match. Most importantly, Carrie cares deeply about social justice and supporting those most in need.
After Mariann announced her intent to retire, the board created a search committee to find her successor, led by the Executive Committee of John Rosenthal, David Crowley, Katherine Provost, and Brett Larson. The process was lengthy and targeted, culminating in the decision to bring Carrie on board.
Carrie says “I am thrilled to join this incredible organization. Mariann is leaving big shoes to fill after 27 years serving Boston’s homeless population and I join the entire board in deepest gratitude for her years of dedication and many accomplishments”
Mariann says “Over the last twenty-seven years we’ve helped thousands. Since 2009, FOBH’s innovative Housing Start-up Fund has joined with partners across our city to help over 500 people every year overcome the final barriers to finally securing what we all want in life – a safe, stable home, and hope and opportunities for a bright future. I’m proud to have been a part of that and excited about Friends’ future with Carrie Coughlin’s leadership.”
The Board looks forward to honoring Mariann’s remarkable legacy at a luncheon on May 21st, 2025 at The Seaport Hotel in Boston. Please join us in celebrating Mariann and FOBH at this event, with tickets available at the link below.
Founded in 1987, Friends of Boston’s Homeless supports innovative, solutions-oriented programs with proven track records that help people move from the streets and shelters into safe, dignified housing and live peaceful, hopeful, fulfilling lives in our community. We focus on removing the final barriers of transition that often city and state programs, and the people they help, don’t have the means to cover. The final transition steps out of homelessness are often the most crucial, and we make them happen.
FOBH bridges the gap between public sector funding and the current needs of the homeless by providing a vehicle for individuals, businesses, foundations and charitable organizations to be a part of the solution to homelessness.