Leadership Team

Kathie O'Brien Knapp
Chief Executive Officer
Kathie stepped into the role of Executive Director on March 1, 2020, after seven years of service on the Sunshine Rescue Mission Board of Directors. She brings with her a rich background in federal and nonprofit administration, along with experience as a successful local business owner. With deep compassion and a strong sense of purpose, Kathie leads with a heart devoted to seeing lives transformed. “God has simply wrecked my heart for people coming off the street,” she says. “They’ve experienced more human suffering than most of us can imagine.” Under Kathie’s leadership, the Mission remains committed to more than just meeting basic needs. The goal is lasting change—inviting individuals into a Christ-centered community where they can heal, grow, and rediscover their dignity and purpose. “Ending homelessness,” she says, “is all about answering the call to ‘love one another.’”