Cathy Billings took the role of executive director for Food and Shelter on Monday, after the organization’s board of directors appointed her on Oct. 27.
Billings most recently served as director of community development services for the Oklahoma State Department of Health, where she oversaw statewide programs in health equity, community engagement and tribal and local partnerships, according to an Oct. 27 press release from Food and Shelter.
Billings also worked as executive director of the Central Oklahoma Community Mental Health Center, according to the release, where she managed a multimillion-dollar budget and supervised over 100 employees.
In the release, Angela Atkins, Food and Shelter board chair, wrote Billings’ knowledge from her time in state leadership and management will aid Food and Shelter.
“Her extensive experience in leadership, public health, and mental health, as well as her knowledge of local and state resources, will help guide, grow, and strengthen our staff and the organization,” Atkins wrote. “We look forward to working with her as we continue to meet the needs of those in our community needing food, shelter, and hope.”
Billings spoke with OU Daily Tuesday about what it means to serve the Norman community.
“Homelessness isn’t going away, and so our role in the community is trying to get people into sustainable housing,” Billings said. “And I thought, ‘If there’s any role I can play in that, I don’t think I could just sit at home and not have tried to help.’”
Billings was born in Chicago and spent her early years in the city before moving to Oklahoma for middle and high school. Billings went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration from OU and a bachelor’s degree in human resources and social work from East Central University.
“Norman is home to me,” Billings said. “I know I’m a Chicago girl, but Norman is home to me.”
Billings originally planned to retire when she left her previous role with the Oklahoma State Department of Health. However, when she heard there was an opening at Food and Shelter, Billings decided she had more to give.
“I thought, ‘I think I’ve got one more run in me,’” Billings said. “I want to help our community because I know in this current environment, the services we provide are so important to Norman.”
Billings’ appointment followed former executive director April Doshier stepping down on Oct. 22. Doshier took the role in January 2010, serving for 15 years.
Doshier oversaw major projects like McKown Village, a community of 32 tiny homes for individuals experiencing homelessness. She also oversaw The Share Center, a free grocery store for residents that opened in 2023.
In October, Doshier told the Daily that she will be joining the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities as its associate director of administration.
Billings said she has kept in contact with Doshier, and they talk regularly despite Doshier’s resignation.
“I’ve been blowing up April’s email,” Billings said.
Billings said she appreciates having Doshier as someone to go to for advice.
Billings said she plans to be a hands-on leader.
“I’m a servant leader; I don’t like to be at the desk,” Billings said. “I’d rather be up running around and going to visit (and) picking up donations.”
Billings also said she wants to hear community feedback on how Food and Shelter can better serve the public.
“I would love to hear from people in the community,” Billings said. “If you have ideas, reach out to me.”
Billings and Food and Shelter staff can be contacted by phone call at 405-360-4954 or by email at info@foodandshelterinc.org.
This story was edited by Natalie Armour, Audrey McClour and Thomas Pablo. Parker Newman and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
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