As you may know, last year we announced a search for a new CEO for Code for America. The past ten years founding and building Code for America have been the best ones of my life, and I have been blessed with the opportunity to be part of something very special. Because the work we do, and the people who do it, are so important to me, I had planned to stay on through the completion of the search, and had been very much looking forward to running the organization through the transition.
However, the end of the year made two things very clear to me: First, that the organization is in great shape with a strong team, high-impact projects with clear strategies and the ability to execute, and exceptional leadership. Second, that some changes in my priorities that occurred last year, driven by the needs of my family, will not only remain, but require me to reevaluate my day to day role at Code for America. Because of both of these things, I am stepping down from my role as Executive Director, effective January 31st.
Our Chief Financial and People Officer Zeryn Sarpangal and our Chief Technology Officer Lou Moore will take the reins of the organization and serve as interim co-CEOs. The rest of the board and I know that these two will do an exceptional job until a new permanent CEO joins, and are excited to see the organization thrive and grow under their leadership. I encourage you to learn more about Lou and Zeryn and to support them and the rest of the team in all the incredible work they have ahead of them, this year and beyond.
I will continue on as a consultant to the organization, as well as an active board member. I’m not going away, just focusing my time on a smaller set of priorities where we believe I add the most value (including our CEO search, which continues as planned), and leaving the day-to-day leadership in Lou and Zeryn’s incredibly capable hands. This change is not only the right thing for me and the right thing for Code for America, but an exciting opportunity to accelerate the progress of making government work for the people who need it most, and for all of us.
Thank you to all who have worked with, helped, and cheered for Code for America and this important work over the course of the organization’s history. On behalf of myself, Lou, Zeryn, and the whole team, we look forward to many more years of partnership.
Best,
Jen