In Memoriam of Thomas Mangus Hudgins

In Memoriam:

Thomas Mangus Hudgins

November 8, 1939 - September 19, 2023

New Directions’ Board Treasurer, A Dear Friend, and Mentor

On September 19, 2023, New Directions’ Board Treasurer, Thomas Mangus Hudgins, passed away at the age of 83.

Serving as both our first and only Treasurer until his unfortunate passing, Tom’s financial expertise and accounting savvy helped ensure our fiscal sustainability and growth, particularly in the early years. New Directions began with an idea - to consolidate four independent shelters into one organization who could serve nearly every kind of homeless person efficiently without duplication of effort - and Tom was there at its inception. Much easier said than done. In 2013, New Directions was founded as an umbrella organization, into which three organizations were successfully dissolved - Street Reach Ministries (now New Directions for Men), LifeLine (now New Directions for Women), and the Center for Women & Children (now Snug Harbor Transitional Apartments). The dissolution behaved like a merger - combining the board of directors, staff, facilities, and assets of three different organizations into one. Despite potential complications of combining organizations, Tom led New Directions’ finance team to establish internal controls and successfully consolidate the three entities into one budget - saving $365,000 in the first year. Less than two years later, another shelter would be dissolved into New Directions - Myrtle Beach Haven - now New Directions for Families.

“From day one Tom was passionate about our mission and used his considerable accounting and finance experience to ensure that we had the processes and controls to be successful” (Mary Jo Rogers, New Directions’ Board of Directors Member & Founding Chair).

Under his careful stewardship, the organization’s assets grew from $1.4MM to $4MM in the past ten years whilst simultaneously expanding programs, services, and facilities. Our budget has grown from $578,000 to $1.2MM annually with future capital expansion on the horizon.

In addition to his knowledge, Tom’s high level of engagement within our organization contributed to his success as Treasurer. Tom served on our Board Executive Committee, which met weekly, and made himself available as a close advisor. “He was more than just a Treasurer to many of us over the past 10 years. For me, Tom was not only an incredible mentor, but also my friend. I will miss him greatly” (Kathy Jenkins, CEO). Beyond his board service, Tom and his wife Sue were a constant encouraging presence at New Directions, and could often be found mentoring clients or taking time to show special appreciation for our staff (there is perhaps no greater “thanks” than a dessert made by Sue and Tom Hudgins!).

His precious “free time” when not at New Directions, was often spent entertaining, and much of it was for a cause (otherwise known as fundraising). We will be forever grateful for Tom’s gifts of time, talent, and treasure to New Directions and will cherish all the ways in which his whole-hearted commitment to our mission was demonstrated.

Tom’s combination of a sincere desire to help others and his ability to ask difficult, but necessary questions as a leader in the organization, furthered the prudent growth of New Directions these past ten years. He had a uniqueness in being both optimistic, yet realistic; precise, yet understanding; delightful, yet firm. To call Tom a pillar in the foundation of our organization would be an understatement. He was a cornerstone.

“Tom was the most genuine person, a great man with no falsehood or dishonesty in him. He taught me so much… I’m going to miss my friend and mentor. The last ten years have been fun” (Cathy Chaplin, Finance Director).

To Tom, our Friend and Mentor - You will be greatly missed.