Talk about musical chairs for North Texas nonprofit leaders. But in this case there are enough chairs, so everyone is a winner!
Where to start? At the beginning, of course. It seems that Jubilee Park and Community Center CEO/President Ben Leal, who has been with this amazing program for a decade, is leaving to head up Lydia and Bill Addy’s foundation. It was just three years ago that Lydia and Bill co-chaired Jubilee’s 20th anniversary gala.
But Ben wasn’t going to leave his dear-to-the-heart Jubilee without a very special person to take over. He found just the right person in After-School All-Stars North Texas Executive Director Marissa Castro Mikoy, who brings to the table over 16 years of professional experience in the education and nonprofit sector. Why, in 2012 the Obama administration honored her as a “Champion of Change.”
According to Marissa, “I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter in my career and build upon their great work.”
Regarding her departure, Marissa reported, “After much thought and reflection, I have decided to step down as executive director of After-School All-Stars… I am saddened to be leaving such an amazing organization and a wonderful group of people; however, out of school time is a cause close to my heart and I have every intention of continuing to support the work of ASA in new ways long after my last day (Friday, June 19).”
But before she signed off, she has handed over the role of interim executive director to ASAS NTX Manager Justin Hensley, who “leads with heart, strong skills and with a values and mission aligned compass. I have no doubt he will lead the chapter successfully – he gets my full support and endorsement!”
* Photo credit: Michael Bruno