Scott Ferguson: “We can’t do this alone”

COEUR d’ALENE – After three weeks as general manager of St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho, Scott Ferguson has discovered a few things.

Firstly, he loves his new job.

Second, many people rely on the nonprofit organization.

And thirdly, he has a great team that lives up to his high expectations of them and himself.

“We want to best serve those who are experiencing poverty,” Ferguson said, sitting in his office at the Help Center on Harrison Avenue. “I want to be an advocate for it.”

The 43-year-old recently took the helm of one of the region’s largest nonprofits, with 68 employees, more than 25 services and an annual clientele of about 5,000.

Ferguson said St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho’s reach, whether through its housing program, beds in the warming shelter, meals at Father Bill’s Kitchen or clothing at its thrift store, is long and wide.

“This is a huge impact,” Ferguson said.

And it puts him in a role that allows him to use his energy and passion, combined with professional and personal skills, to help people in need. He said it comes with great responsibility.

“It is an absolute honor and privilege to hold this position,” Ferguson said. “There are some exciting possibilities.”

Ferguson, who replaces Larry Riley, previously worked at the Innovia Foundation, where he was deputy director of grants. He has more than 20 years of leadership experience in higher education and the nonprofit sector “with a demonstrated commitment to promoting community engagement and serving underserved communities.”

He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Warner Pacific College, his Master’s in Education from Portland State, and his Doctor of Education from Concordia University.

Ferguson and his wife, who live in Post Falls, love the outdoors. He plays pickleball and “enjoys a great cup of coffee.”

Ferguson pays close attention to those who speak to him and is quick to smile and praise. He’s bursting with energy, which he says is natural because he loves his work.

“This isn’t Evans Brothers coffee,” he said with a laugh.

He used the word “authenticity” when describing the organization, which is committed to its mission of helping the less fortunate who experience poverty and homelessness.

This is done through compassion, care and integrity. He said it was a profession that required both heart and intellect.

“We want to make sure every person who comes in is valued, honored and recognized,” he said.

It’s like it’s getting even busier.

St. Vincent’s warming shelter in Post Falls has been open two nights so far. This winter it received donations to allow it to open at 33 degrees instead of 28 degrees.

Last year it was open for 66 nights and is expected to be fully operational in December when cooler temperatures prevail.

“We don’t want to leave anyone out in the cold,” Ferguson said.

He speaks of “transformed lives” through community engagement and collaboration with partners like Heritage Health. He hopes to help St. Vincent expand its reach, operate at a higher level and respond quickly to those who walk through the Help Center doors.

“We can’t do this alone,” he said. “It’s amazing to see the scale, breadth and depth of connection.”

His goals in his new job are simple: to value employees and customers, strengthen community ties and tell the story of St. Vincent’s helping so many people in so many ways.

“We’re helping our community realize we’re not just a thrift store,” Ferguson said.