January 28, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lifelong Youth Advocate Charles Shelan to retire
after 35 years as CEO of Community Youth Services
Olympia, WA——Charles Shelan, who grew a fledgling Thurston County nonprofit agency into
one of the largest and most comprehensive child welfare organizations between Vancouver,
British Columbia, and Portland, is retiring.
Today that agency, Community Youth Services, operates over 20 programs for 3,000 youth and
young adults in southwest Washington. Shelan has served as CYS CEO since 1979.
Long-time CYS clinical director Scott Hanauer will succeed Shelan as CEO following his retirement
July 31.
“Charles’ dedication to social justice and child welfare is boundless,” said Geoff Crooks, chair of
the CYS board of directors. “He embraced the latest innovative program and counseling
techniques to make an immeasurable difference in the lives of over 65,000 children, youth and
families.”
The Community Youth Services staff of 113 provides emergency shelter, foster care, job training,
mental health counseling and transitional housing. The agency has an annual budget of $8.3
million.
In 2015, CYS will expand into Tacoma, opening a young adult shelter and drop-in center. Shelan
will continue to consult with CYS after retirement to support the expansion effort.
Hanauer, a respected expert in adolescent behavior, has 40 years of child welfare experience. He
lectures widely on adolescent behavior, serves as a trainer for foster parents and is widely known
for his commitment to child welfare services. Hanauer joined CYS in 2004 supervising a growing
range of services and recently earning licensure for CYS as a mental health agency.
As CEO, Hanauer will continue the agency’s focus on behavioral health, expanding services in
Thurston and Mason counties for youth and young adults experiencing mental health disorders.
“On behalf of the kids and the entire community, we thank Charles for his tireless leadership and
service,” Crooks said. “We remain committed to our shared vision that all children regardless of
economic, gender, gender identification or ethnic status are able to grow up fulfilling their full
potential.”
Shelan and Hanauer will work closely together and with the board of directors to ensure a
smooth leadership transition.
About Community Youth Services
Community Youth Services is one of the region’s largest and most comprehensive child welfare
nonprofit organizations between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Portland. CYS was founded
in 1970 to support at-risk youth and families in meeting their needs for health, safety, security
and community. CYS envisions a community where every child grows up in a loving home and
supportive neighborhood and is able to achieve his or her full potential. CYS operates over 20
different services for 3,000 youth and young adults in southwest Washington. For more
information, visit www.communityyouthservices.org.