The Daniel Pitino Shelter and St. Benedict Shelter have announced the hiring of Blaine Mathews as their new Director of Advancement. Executive director Harry Pedigo said the position is designed to strengthen collaboration between the two agencies as they continue their mission to combat homelessness in Daviess County.
Mathews, who previously experienced homelessness himself and was once a resident of St. Benedict’s men’s shelter, said he is excited to give back to the community that helped him.
“I’m just super excited to, for one, have this opportunity and to be working more closely with the community that helped me out so much when I was struggling with things in my past,” Mathews said.
Mathews’ new role will combine efforts between the Daniel Pitino Shelter and St. Benedict Shelter for Men, focusing on collaboration and coordination to better serve the area’s homeless population. Executive Director Harry Pedigo said Mathews brings a unique blend of professional experience and personal understanding to the position.
“Blaine brings deep compassion, firsthand experience, and a strong commitment to our mission, making him a tremendous asset to our team,” Pedigo said.
Mathews’ professional background includes five years at United Way, where he worked in marketing and fundraising after helping develop the 211 system as an AmeriCorps volunteer. He most recently served as a lead liaison for western Kentucky with Addiction Recovery Care, focusing on relationship building and client acquisition.
A graduate of Owensboro Community & Technical College and Kentucky Wesleyan College, Mathews earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and is currently pursuing his MBA at Brescia University.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Mathews said he is grateful to work alongside Pedigo, whom he considers a mentor and friend.
“I have an overwhelming feeling of joy and happiness about this position,” Mathews said. “We’re going to be able to work together as friends and colleagues to make our community a better place.”
Mathews’s first day in the new role will be April 28.
