ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services has named its new temporary leader.

Current Finance Director Patricia Paolangeli will serve as the nonprofit organization’s acting executive director, effective immediately. INHS’ current executive director, Johanna Anderson, will step down at the end of the month to join Tompkins Community Bank as President of its CNY Market. Paolangeli. who began working at INHS in 1997, will serve dual roles until a permanent executive director can be found.

INHS Board President Jeremy Thomas says Paolangeli’s experience makes her well-suited for the role.

“In her role as finance director, she is acutely aware of the inner workings of every program in each line of business, as well as how they interact and influence each other,” said Thomas. “The time and care she takes to train each of her coworkers demonstrates her embodiment of the core values of INHS. Her willingness to take on additional duties and complete them successfully is why the Board of Directors is appointing her as acting executive director.”

INHS officials say the search for a permanent executive director is underway with a committee made up of INHS board members, staff, community leaders, and a search firm.