Renton native Nancy Osborn Nicholas has been selected to replace Terry Pottmeyer as the new interim President and CEO of Friends of Youth.

Nicholas brings more than 30 years experience in nonprofit executive leadership, including 19 years as executive director of a comprehensive homeless services organization.

“Working for Friends of Youth feels like coming home,” she said in a press release. “I am fortunate to get to reconnect with my first passion: helping young people connect with their resilient gifts in order to excel.”

Nicholas said her focus will be to ensure that services continue to be provided at the highest level while the Board of Directors conducts the executive search.

Pottmeyer, announced her intention to step away from Friends of Youth several months ago as FOY was completing its strategic initiative to expand housing and services responding to the growing needs of youth and young adults.

Among her many accomplishments in her five years with FOY, Pottmeyer completed a $7.5 million capital campaign to fund a new 21-day youth shelter, transitional housing and supportive services.

“We are deeply grateful for Terry’s leadership and dedication to the young people we serve.  Her legacy is the dedicated organization committed to supporting emotionally stable and self-sufficient youth in our community as a result of her leadership,” the organization said in a release.

Friends of Youth provides a comprehensive range of therapeutic services for youth, young adults and their families to improve their emotional stability and self-sufficiency.

With 63 years of experience, 25 program sites and services in 18 cities, we provide safe places and emotional support for youth facing challenging circumstances. Our vision is that all youth have every opportunity to succeed, and our services are designed to fulfill that vision.

For more information, visit www.friendsofyouth.org.