LOCAL

Veterans Transition House enters new chapter with Michael Nash

August 15, 2025

Jane Imbody/Reporter assisted by AI

The Veterans Transition House in New Bedford has announced a change in leadership.

James Reid, who has served as executive director since 2008, has stepped down, according to a community announcement. Reid first joined the organization as the coordinator of the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project. He is a retired chief warrant officer from the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, where he flew Blackhawk helicopters.

During his tenure, Reid led the organization through significant developments, including a $10 million campus expansion and the introduction of clinical services for veterans. He also navigated the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring veterans continued to receive care while keeping staff safe, according to the announcement.

Reid established strong relationships with state and city agencies, elected officials, corporate and individual donors, and numerous veterans’ organizations and community groups. In April, the Veterans Transition House hosted Gov. Maura Healey for a campus tour, showcasing the organization as a model program for the state.

“We are immensely grateful for Jim’s leadership, mentorship and the incredible legacy he will leave behind,” John Remedis, president of the board of directors, said in the announcement.

Michael Nash named Reid’s successor

Following a three-month search process, Michael Nash has been appointed as the new executive director. Nash, a retired U.S. Army first sergeant, previously served as the director of emergency services-provost sergeant at the U.S. Army Garrison, Ft. Wainwright, Alaska. He has completed deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq and has earned numerous awards for his service.

Nash holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Columbia College of Missouri and a Master of Business Administration from the American Military University.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to join Veterans Transition House and work alongside a very dedicated team of staff, board members and volunteers,” Nash said in the announcement.“I admire and respect Jim Reid’s commitment to supporting our military members. Now, I look forward to building on this strong foundation to deepen our impact on each veteran who relied on our services, reach more veterans experiencing hardship across Southeastern Massachusetts and advance the vital mission Veterans Transition House throughout the region and state.”

VTH plays vital role for veterans

Founded in 1990, the Veterans Transition House has provided more than 3,300 homeless veterans in Southeastern Massachusetts with transitional and permanent housing, as well as comprehensive supportive services to help them regain their independence and reintegrate into the community. The organization owns seven properties across New Bedford and operates at a consistent 90% capacity, accommodating up to 85 veterans at a time.

In 2021, the organization opened the Anthony C. and Salvatore H. Alfiero Outreach Center, which is staffed with licensed clinicians and outreach specialists. The center serves an additional 750 veterans on average each year who are at risk of becoming homeless, experiencing food insecurity, or in need of human services.