CAPS is pleased to welcome Simon Smucker as the new Chief Financial Officer. Simon says he accepted the position because “I wanted to work at an organization where I care about the mission and what’s happening – to be able to do what I like to do and have it be helpful towards an end goal beyond the bottom line. CAPS is a good fit.”
Simon started his career as an accountant at Kruggel Lawton doing audit and tax work, primarily for nonprofit clients. After three years at the firm, Simon and his wife Becca moved to Bolivia to serve with Mennonite Central Committee, an organization that does national and international peace and development work. “We both had an interest in doing long-term service and building relationships in another culture.” During their time in Bolivia, Simon managed the accounting for the organization and Becca facilitated a young adult exchange program.
“I had to learn how to do my job in a whole new context. In Bolivia, the financial reporting and local fiscal rules are very different. Becca supported the young adult volunteers with adaptation challenges – culture shock, living with a host family, and conflict resolution. We were making our own adjustments to language, transportation, and climate differences…we learned a lot in the three years we spent there. It was a time of meaningful personal growth.”
When their time in Bolivia drew to a close, they returned to the US and moved to Cleveland, Ohio where Becca completed her MSW at Case Western Reserve University. Simon took a position as the Controller at a nonprofit organization that provided mental health and crisis services. Simon was excited when the CFO position opened at CAPS and it felt like good timing, since Simon and Becca are expecting their first baby in July and wanted to return to Goshen to be near family.
So what is Simon’s reaction to a new job, moving and a new baby? “Lots of changes, but they’re all good!” he says with a smile.
For job opportunities at CAPS, visit our Career Page.