Holiday Express, a nonprofit organization that delivers music, food, gifts, and financial support and friendship to those with the greatest need for the gift of human kindness during the holiday season and throughout the year, has named Eileen Higgins as its new executive director.
Since 1993, Holiday Express has relied on staff members and more than 1,500 volunteers to make the work they do possible, according to a press release.
In announcing the news, Holiday Express founder Tim McLoone said, “We here at Holiday Express are delighted to announce the appointment of Eileen Higgins as our new executive director.
“Eileen brings a world of experience in the nonprofit sector and, even more importantly, has been a volunteer and board member of Holiday Express for many years.
“We are confident that in her new role she will help Holiday Express navigate the ever-changing nonprofit landscape and lead us forward in ‘bringing the gift of human kindness’ to the many thousands of people we serve each holiday season,” McLoone said.
Prior to working for Holiday Express, Higgins served as the chief executive officer for Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore from 2017-21, where she and her team were responsible for reversing a 17-year enrollment decline and boosting philanthropic support by 30% to increase community impact, according to the press release.
During her more than 30 years of work experience in nonprofit business environments, Higgins has created a record of developing strong community partnerships, innovative program development, increasing organizational efficiencies, and building and retaining boards of directors, according to the press release.
Higgins, who residents in Fair Haven, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Richmond and a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers.
Higgins succeeds Lorrie Klaric, who served as the executive director of Holiday Express since 2013.
“I am honored to work with Holiday Express as we enter our 30th season,” Higgins said. “Lorrie and her team navigated the (coronavirus) pandemic and provided the best possible experience for the populations we serve, no small feat for an organization that thrives on in-person interaction.
“I am excited to partner with our staff, volunteers, board and community supporters to continue to grow Holiday Express and deliver music, support and friendship during the holidays,” she said.
As executive director, Higgins’ daily responsibilities include community cultivation, strategic planning, board development, financial accountability and oversight of operational functions. She will work out of the organization’s Eatontown headquarters.
For more information about upcoming events or to support Holiday Express, visit the website at www.HolidayExpress.org