Decade of Compassionate Leadership

The Board of Directors at the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky (ESNKY) is pleased to announce the advancement of its Executive Director Kim M. Webb to serve as Chief Executive Officer. The new position at ESNKY is aimed at advancing the mission and vision of the organization while also overseeing day-to-day operations.

Webb, who has served as the Executive Director since June 2015, assumed the role of CEO in May. During her time at ESNKY, Webb has overseen the growth of the organization, marked notably by a successful $4.2 million capital campaign to move into their state-of-the art facility on W. 13th Street in Covington, which opened to guests in February 2022.

ESNKY will celebrate Kim’s 10-year anniversary with a public celebration on Tuesday, July 22. The event will feature a cookout at their facility on W. 13th Street in Covington and welcome shelter guests, community partners, supporters and friends of the organization.

Webb is a veteran local non-profit leader, currently serving on the Kentucky Department of Public Health Harm Reduction Advisory Committee, Kentucky Interagency Council on Homelessness and Safety Net Alliance of NKY Executive Committee. Additionally, she is a Leadership Council for Nonprofits board member. Her leadership and impactful community work have earned her regional recognition, including being named an Outstanding Woman of Northern Kentucky in 2020 by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

“As I mark 10 years of service with the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky, I’m honored to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer. This title reflects not only the growth of our organization but also our deep commitment to leading with purpose,” Webb shared.

Following the anniversary celebration, Webb will take a planned sabbatical from August through October. She will return to her position as CEO on November 1, 2025 in time for the opening of the organization’s Winter Cold Shelter program.

During this time, Ruslyn Case-Compton, current Office Manager of ESNKY, will serve as Acting Director. Case-Compton has been with the organization for seven years and brings deep experience in non-profit leadership, making her a strong candidate to serve in this role. Recognizing the demanding nature of their roles, ESNKY now offers this newly introduced sabbatical benefit to all full-time employees with eight or more years of service, providing time to rest, rejuvenate and return with renewed energy. This new policy also supports the organization's commitment to retaining top talent.

Webb added, “I’m especially grateful to our Board of Directors for supporting a forward-thinking sabbatical policy, and to our leadership team for stepping up in my absence. This time away is both a gift and an investment in long-term sustainability—for myself and for the shelter—and I look forward to returning as CEO this fall with renewed focus, deeper perspective and a continued drive to advance our mission.”

Questions & Answers

What is a “sabbatical?” 

A sabbatical is a defined period away from work for rest and rejuvenation. Sabbaticals are becoming more common in the charitable nonprofit sector. 

Who gets a sabbatical? 

All full-time staff who reach eight years of service at ESNKY are eligible to take a sabbatical. This reflects ESNKY's belief that time for rest and rejuvenation helps strengthen our team and our mission. 

Why does ESNKY have a sabbatical policy? 

ESNKY is deeply invested in our employees’ growth and well-being and is leading the charitable nonprofit field by adopting this policy.  

A 2020 study showed that 91% of the board and staff reported that the Executive Director was more rested and rejuvenated post-sabbatical. 

Who will run shelter while Kim is away? 

Ruslyn-Case Compton, ESNKY’s Office Manager, will serve as Acting Director. Ruslyn brings 27 years of nonprofit experience, including 18 years as an Executive Director at various nonprofits across Kentucky. 

When will Kim come back? 

Kim will be on sabbatical from August 1 through October 31, 2025. She’ll return to her position as CEO on November 1, in time for the opening of ESNKY’s Winter Cold Shelter program.