Renaissance Social Services Appoints Maura McCauley as Executive Director

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Maura McCauley as the new Executive Director of Renaissance Social Services, effective February 9, 2026. McCauley succeeds Michael Banghart, who led the organization with distinction for 24 years, and Dr. Kendall Martin, Ed.D., who will continue in his former role as Chief Operating Officer. 

Maura brings more than two decades of leadership experience across government and the nonprofit sector, with deep expertise in homelessness, housing systems, and social services. Most recently, she served as Acting Commissioner of the City of Chicago's Department of Family and Support Services, where she led operations serving more than 400,000 of the city’s most vulnerable residents across areas including early learning, youth services, homelessness, gender-based violence, workforce development, new arrivals, human services and senior services.

At DFSS, Maura helped lead the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the migrant crisis and spearheaded initiatives to prevent and end homelessness.

Previously, Maura served as Senior Director at Heartland Human Care Services, Inc., formerly part of Heartland Alliance, advancing innovative housing strategies for individuals and families facing the greatest barriers to stability.

A highly respected leader, Maura is known for her strong partnerships across federal, state, and city government, private philanthropy, nonprofit health and social service providers, and policy and advocacy organizations. Her collaborative, systems-level approach positions her well to lead Renaissance’s comprehensive continuum of housing and supportive services into its next phase of impact.

We are excited to welcome Maura and look forward to the leadership she will bring as Renaissance continues its work to prevent and end homelessness in Chicago.