Executive Director to Leave Adirondack Roots

Megan Murphy, executive director of Adirondack Roots since 2023, will leave the sustainable-housing organization on Sept. 12.

Caitlin Wargo, Adirondack Roots’ associate director, will serve as interim executive director following Murphy’s departure.

“I’m very proud of all we’ve accomplished over the past two years, such as launching the Both Meadow housing project in Keene and finding a developer to renovate the Lee House apartments in Port Henry while keeping them affordable,” said Murphy, who is leaving to pursue an opportunity at another area nonprofit. “But most of all, I’m proud of the team we’ve built and everything we’ve done to provide safe, secure housing for some of our most vulnerable community members.”

Emily Kilburn Politi, president of Adirondack Roots’ board of directors, said Murphy strengthened the organization’s ability to handle the region’s housing crisis. “One of Megan’s earliest accomplishments was finding the right people to carry out our mission,” she said. “Our staff knows the communities where we work and the resources available to help owners and renters.”

Politi said Wargo will ensure Adirondack Roots continues to serve the North Country without missing a step. “Caitlin has years of experience working with area non-profits and she understands the challenges we face, including rising home costs, shrinking federal funding and a housing shortage,” she said.

Politi said the group, which has a staff of 16, would initiate a national search for a permanent hire in the coming weeks.

In addition to administering the Section 8 housing voucher program in the region and operating the Lee House apartments, Adirondack Roots also provides foreclosure counseling, offers grants to low-income homeowners to complete needed repairs and works with area communities to develop accessible housing for middle-income buyers who cannot afford homes in the region.