Getting to Know Paul Shackford

In each upcoming newsletter, we are taking the opportunity to introduce you to a Family Promise Board or Staff Member. This month features President of the Board, Paul Shackford.

Paul has been involved with Family Promise almost since its beginning (as the IRF), initially as the coordinator for the Overflow Shelter program housing homeless adults at his church, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Harrington Park. He recalls the difficulties faced with having the program at his church but led that program for over 22 years, during which time they provided over 4,000 bed-nights. He continues to be the coordinator there, working with a number of support congregations and well over 100 volunteers to shelter families.

Paul became more active as he became treasurer and joined the Board of Trustees in 2008 and, since 2010, he has been the President of the Board. Not surprisingly, Paul has a passion for the work we do. “There’s a lot of very serious work that Family Promise does, but when one of the children sees me waiting to welcome them, and they run up and hug me, that’s very touching and special to me. And when Joseph, a ten-year old, drew a picture of himself and me, holding hands, it helps to pull me even deeper into the importance of what we do.”

Paul is a CPA who has worked with a number of private and public companies, including Revlon and the NY Yankees (where he stunned–but was NOT fired–when he confessed to George Steinbrenner that he was a Mets fan), and as the CFO of several other companies including the American Stock Exchange. He has been the CFO of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark since 2011.

Paul lives in Harrington Park with his wife and has two adult daughters. His greatest joy is his granddaughter, Josephine who was born December 3, 2016.