Since Literacy Achieves CEO Sarah Papert announced her retirement in April, more than 200 candidates were screened to take up the reins of the organization that equips non-English-speaking adults and their young children with English literacy and life skills.
That number was whittled down to seven finalists, who were interviewed by the Literacy Achieves search committee (Barbra Applebaum, Shelton Hopkins, Frank Lloyd, Barry McNeil, Colleen Taylor and Mayela Trespalacios). Despite the outstanding qualifications of the finalists, one stood out. The result was a unanimous decision that Dionne Kirby would be Literacy Achieves’ next CEO.
Dionne is very familiar with Literacy Achieves’ mission, clientele and programs, having worked with the organization from 2017 to 2021 as Adult Program Manager, Associate Director of Development and Senior Director of Philanthropy.
Prior to being named to the new position, Dionne was executive director of “Dallas Dinner Table, an organization founded in 1999 which focuses on improving race relations in the DFW metroplex.”
According to Sarah, “Literacy Achieves is in excellent hands with Dionne at its helm, and I’m very honored for her to serve as my successor.”
Dionne officially moves into her role on Monday, August 8.
* Graphic/photo courtesy of Literacy Achieves