The board of directors for Opportunity Enterprises has selected Neil Samahon as the new President/CEO of the organization. Samahon will assume the role effective July 1st. He will replace the current President/CEO Ellen DeMartinis, who plans to retire. Samahon is currently the CEO of Metro Recycling and Metro Auto Recyclers, where he has been employed for 25 years. Under his leadership Metro has grown considerably. In addition to growing the business, he prides Metro for being recognized as good environmental stewards. His focus has always been to not only grow the company fiscally, but also to ensure that Metro remains a strong community partner. Neil has a strong sense of civic responsibility and strives to have a positive impact within the community, environment, and with the people he interacts with.
Samahon was introduced to OE shortly before moving to Valparaiso eight years ago. After touring, he was struck by the quality of services provided and the obvious, genuine care and respect for the people being served. The mission hits home for Samahon, as his oldest daughter Ashley has a disability. Since this first introduction, he and his family have all been very closely connected to the agency; Samahon has served on OE’s board of directors for six years, and his daughter Ashley receives services at OE.
“I am honored and privileged to have been chosen to serve in this capacity,” Samahon said. “I feel a deep connection to this agency and not only do I respect the mission, I live it every day. I know the importance of ensuring that OE’s services are around long into the future. I have come to know many of the staff, board, volunteers, and families served, and I look forward to working closely with all of them to continue strengthening the sustainability of this organization.”
“Ellen DeMartinis has created an amazing legacy of respect, trust, and paving the way for individuals with disabilities. She and the entire staff at OE have worked tirelessly to create a strong and unique agency. I can now stand on this solid foundation as I help guide this agency toward the future of programming.”
“I couldn’t be happier about Neil accepting this position,” said Ellen DeMartinis. “I care so deeply for this agency and the people it serves and know that they will be in the right hands. As a leader, it is important to recognize when the timing is right for a fresh perspective and new leadership, and for OE that timing is now. My family and life is here in this community, so I’m not going anywhere. I am excited about what retirement will bring, and I plan to be there to offer my support and guidance during this transition period. After that, know that I will remain a supporter and advocate of OE and the people it serves.”
Samahon is married to his wife Debbie, a nurse at the VNA Hospice of NWI. He has two daughters, Ashley and Clare, who bring so much joy to his life and of whom, he is extremely proud. In his spare time, Neil loves to travel, play golf and share his home, and couch, with his two Great Danes and Collie.
