AUBURN, N.Y. — Unity House of Cayuga County, Inc. Executive Director Elizabeth (Liz) Smith will retire at the end of this year, after serving as the nonprofit’s top executive for more than 15 years.

Smith, who will step down on Dec. 31, plans to spend the rest of her time at Unity House making sure the organization has a strong three-year strategic plan and strengthening the relationships that have helped the organization thrive, Unity House announced. Smith and the organization work to empower people with disabilities.

“My career here has been my passion,” Smith said in a statement. “What I’m doing is what I love to do.”

She began her career at Unity House in 1987 as a job coach in the nonprofit’s employment program. After a period away from Unity House, Smith returned in 1995 as a case manager, where she wrote service plans for those in Unity House’s residential program for people with disabilities. Within three years, she became Unity House’s first director of quality assurance and was named deputy executive director in 1999 under Joyce Williams. When Williams retired in 2009, Smith became executive director.

“As a case manager, Liz was known for taking the time to get to know each resident,” Unity House COO Darlene Podolak said. “She was very creative; every service plan was like a puzzle. She wanted to make it relevant for the person yet fully reimbursable through Medicaid, which is not easy. She genuinely loved the people we support and wanted the best for them.”

Podolak will succeed Smith as CEO effective on Jan. 1, 2026.

“I want Darlene to flourish as the next CEO,” Smith said. “I love Unity House and want to see it continue to be strong forever.”

Unity House works to empower people with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance-use disorders. The organization helps more than 750 adults across eight counties daily with services including transitional and permanent housing and rehabilitation, respite, and employment services. Founded in 1977, Unity House employs about 350 people.