Rev. Dr. Mark Brown to Retire as CEO of West Houston Assistance Ministries as WHAM Prepares for Major 2026 Expansion
After nearly nine years of leading one of Houston’s most vital safety nets, Rev. Dr. Mark Brown is stepping down as CEO of West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM). But even as he prepares to retire, the organization he helped transform is gearing up for one of its most ambitious chapters yet.
Brown, an Episcopal priest and Australian native with a background in nonprofit leadership, law enforcement, and education, first took the reins at WHAM in 2017. What followed was a remarkable period of growth and reinvention that helped the organization become a pillar of stability and hope for thousands of families across Greater Houston.
During his tenure, WHAM’s reach exploded—serving more than 126,000 people in 2025 alone and marking a 405% increase in the number of neighbors empowered through food support, housing assistance, medical resources, job readiness, and wraparound services.
“Dr. Brown leaves WHAM in a strong position, widely respected as a leading nonprofit in Houston,” said Stevan Williamson, Chair of WHAM’s Board of Directors. “His leadership style grounded in purpose, care for people, and long-term stewardship helped position the organization to serve with greater impact and integrity.”
From Crisis to Self-Sufficiency: A Leader’s Mission
WHAM has long believed that no one should leave hungry—and that no neighbor should face eviction or homelessness alone. But under Brown’s leadership, that belief turned into bold action.
With a doctorate in organizational leadership from Baylor University and a passion for addressing poverty at its root, Brown reshaped WHAM’s strategy to not only respond to urgent needs but also guide families toward long-term stability. He expanded programming, built strategic partnerships, and ensured WHAM could respond rapidly in times of crisis—like the 2025 federal shutdown, when the agency served as a Houston Food Bank Supersite, distributing food to more than 700 families affected by SNAP interruptions and furloughs.
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WHAM also launched a pilot homelessness program in partnership with Harris County Constable Precinct 5 and local hotels, helping individuals not only find shelter but also employment and permanent housing.
Rather than serving as a temporary fix, the organization has taken a comprehensive approach—walking alongside clients to help them achieve financial independence, not just meet immediate needs. That philosophy is embedded in WHAM’s wraparound model, which provides everything from emergency financial aid and food to job readiness training and long-term case management.
A Big Shift Ahead: WHAM’s 2026 Vision
While Brown’s departure marks the end of an era, it also sets the stage for WHAM’s next major evolution.
In December, Brown publicly announced a sweeping strategic shift: WHAM is preparing to relocate in 2026 to a larger, more modern facility—designed to meet soaring demand and ensure the nonprofit is “future-ready” for the next generation of need. The relocation is more than a move; it’s a transformation.
As part of this transition, WHAM will close its long-standing Resale Store. But instead of scaling back, the nonprofit is doubling down. Clothing and household essentials will still be collected—but rather than sold, they’ll be distributed free of charge to clients pursuing self-sufficiency. All Resale Store staff have been offered new roles in WHAM’s expanded programs.
The change allows WHAM to fully focus on its core pillars: the Food Pantry, Job Readiness, and Case Management.
“Our mission remains unwavering,” Brown shared in a heartfelt message to supporters. “No one should leave WHAM hungry. No family should face homelessness alone. This new direction lets us meet those needs with even greater purpose.”
Community Roots, Lasting Legacy
Founded in 1982 by seven local congregations, WHAM has grown from a small, church-based effort into a cornerstone of support for Houston families in crisis. Through its holistic wraparound model, WHAM provides everything from hot meals and hotel assistance to ESL classes, GED preparation, childcare, transportation, and job certifications.
In 2025 alone, WHAM distributed nearly 2 million pounds of food, provided over $886,000 in financial assistance, and helped nearly 1,600 people avoid eviction or homelessness.
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Volunteers contributed nearly 30,000 hours of service, valued at over $1 million, while hundreds of donors sustained its life-changing programs.
Brown’s unique path—part pastor, part peace officer, part strategist—helped make WHAM’s impact as dynamic as the city it serves. Whether navigating the complexities of disaster response, launching programs to support domestic violence survivors, or ensuring seniors could keep the lights on, Brown’s leadership has always centered on dignity and compassion.
What’s Next
WHAM’s Board of Directors is working to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Interim leadership will be announced soon, with a formal search for a new CEO on the horizon.
Brown, who also serves as a peace officer and reserve deputy with a background in human trafficking investigations, will no doubt continue to serve his community in meaningful ways—even after his time at WHAM comes to a close.
In the meantime, the mission continues—and WHAM is calling on the community to stand with them in this new chapter.
To learn more, get involved, or support WHAM’s expanding services, visit whamministries.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
