Sept. 17, 2021

Glory House president Dave Johnson is retiring after 32 years.

Johnson, who served 28 of those years as president, will retire later this month.

As the board of directors is starting a search for a new president, compliance and human resources manager Nicole Dvorak will serve as the interim president.

“While it will be difficult to replace Dave’s contributions and commitment to the mission of Glory House, we are confident that we will identify a new leader who will lead Glory House in providing caring and competent service to our clients well into the future,” board chair Eric Gulden said in a statement.

“Our mission, ‘Helping People Claim their Lives with Christian Compassion, Resources and Support’ will continue as it has for over 50 years.”

After navigating through numerous challenges over his 28 years as its president, Johnson leaves Glory House in a strong position, the organization said.

“The Glory House is operating with a balanced budget, several new and competent personnel have recently been hired, and the Glory House Apartments are filled to capacity,” it said, adding the remaining members of the organization’s leadership team have a combined total of more than 60 years of service.

“The Glory House board expresses gratitude for Dave Johnson’s steady and reliable leadership over these many years, and wishes him well in his years of retirement.”

Johnson began working as a counselor at Glory House in 1987 and became president in 1991.

Physical expansions under his leadership included acquiring the Administration Annex in 1998, building the Sands Freedom Center in 2008 and completing Phase 1 of Glory House Apartments in 2019.

“Dave embodies the spirit in which the Glory House was founded in 1968–Christian caring for individuals needing not only a hand out but a hand up,” longtime board member Jim Schmidt added.

Johnson plans to continue providing consultation services to the Glory House board of directors for the planning and construction of Phase 2 of this project.

“Since 1987 I have had the opportunity to help others live their best lives. I am humbled and grateful to have worked along side clients, staff, and the community to be part of this mission. Thank you,” Johnson said.