Horizon House chief exec announces retirement

Teresa Wessel plans to retire as CEO of Horizon House at the end of the year, the Indianapolis not-for-profit announced Wednesday.

Wessel has spent the last 14 years at Horizon House, which works to prevent homelessness by offering an array of short-term and long-term services that help individuals secure and maintain housing.

Wessel joined the Horizon House board of directors in 2010 and took the job of director of development and communications later that year. She was promoted to executive director in 2013 and became CEO in December.

Horizon House credited Wessel with several milestones, including establishing the group’s first endowment (2017), launching a housing program (2018) and forming a peer-support specialist team (2021). The organization served an all-time high of 7,899 individuals last year.

Earlier this year, Horizon House was selected to provide services for the city’s first Master Leasing Project. It soon will open Compass, a 36-unit supportive housing project next to its headquarters at 1033 E. Washington St., with leasing starting in September.

“Teresa’s retirement marks the end of an extraordinary era for Horizon House,” said Dorron Farris, board chair of Horizon House, in written comments. “Teresa’s unwavering commitment to supporting the homeless community has significantly impacted the lives of countless individuals. Her strategic
vision and operational expertise have moved our mission forward, making a profound difference in central Indiana and beyond.”

Horizon House reported revenue of $4.3 million and expenses of $4.2 million in 2022, according to the most recent financial report available.

The organization opened in 1988 as the Indianapolis Day Center and became Horizon House in 1994. Among its offerings are a full-service day center, peer-support and case-management services, employment services, street-outreach teams, and housing relocation and support services.

Horizon House said it has hired Carmel-based executive search firm Talbott Talent to help find a successor to Wessel.

“Our goal is to ensure a smooth and supportive transition,” Farris said. “We have implemented a comprehensive transition plan to maintain uninterrupted services and reliable support for our homeless neighbors during this time.”