WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The longtime head of one of Whatcom County’s most prominent nonprofits is stepping down.

The Opportunity Council announced that its executive director Greg Winter plans to retire in August after 18 years with the organization.

Winter joined the Opportunity Council in 2008 to help launch the Whatcom Homeless Service Center before becoming chief executive in 2016.

He oversaw the council’s growth into one of the region’s largest nonprofit employers, while developing more than 300 new, affordable homes and establishing the Way Station in downtown Bellingham.

“Leading Opportunity Council has been the honor of my professional life,” Winter said in a statement. “I’m deeply proud of the staff, board, clients, and community partners who make this organization what it is. Together, we’ve grown our capacity to meet urgent community needs while staying grounded in our mission to help people improve their lives.”

The Opportunity Council works to provide housing, services and support for low-income residents in Whatcom, Island and San Juan counties.

The nonprofit says its board of directors has already begun a national search for a new executive director.