Susan Johnston, founder and executive director of Central Furniture Rescue, plans to step away from her leadership role at the end of 2026 after more than seven years with the Cedar Rapids nonprofit.
Ms. Johnston, who has more than 25 years of experience in operations and project management, will remain with the organization as an ambassador following her departure. Central Furniture Rescue has begun searching for her successor.
“At the core of this work is helping people feel settled, supported, and at home when they need it most,” Ms. Johnston said, in a statement. “Being able to do that while also keeping tons of furniture out of the landfill is incredibly meaningful. I’m proud of our team and the community who show up every day to make that impact.”
Under Ms. Johnston’s leadership, Central Furniture Rescue has helped more than 9,400 people in the community, served more than 3,900 households with repurposed furniture, and saved more than 1,300 tons of furniture and household items from landfills. The organization has gifted more than $2 million in items to those in the Cedar Rapids area and surrounding communities.
The nonprofit collects donated furniture and household items and provides them at no cost to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness.
“We can’t do what we do without the community’s support,” Ms. Johnston said. “We’re there to serve the community, but it’s a true partnership and collaboration. We can only serve those who have transitioned out of experiencing homelessness with the community’s support.”
Ms. Johnston characterized the transition as part of the organization’s natural growth.
“This is part of natural growth for an organization,” she said. “It’s time for Central Furniture Rescue to move to the next step. I’ll be there to encourage and support the successor and leadership team as they step into this next chapter and successfully impact the community.”
More information is available at CentralFurnitureRescue.org.
