Dear DataWorks NC partners, stakeholders, and friends,
We are writing to announce that our founding executive director, John Killeen, will be stepping down from DataWorks NC in Spring of 2024. John has been helping Durham cultivate this community-led data program for more than 10 years, starting with work based in the City of Durham.
A brief sample of his many accomplishments include:
- Creating an aspirational antiracist space to collaborate with brilliant and passionate members of Durham and organizations.
- Supporting Walltown, Bragtown, and Merrick-Moore efforts to fight gentrification and build community.
- Supporting the Durham County Department of Public Health in understanding day by day, who was being affected by COVID-19 throughout 2020.
- Building and maintaining for 10 years Durham’s primary neighborhood data resources such as Durham Compass and Health Indicators.
- Who Owns Durham housing research which has become a conversation changer in Durham, allowing gentrification, housing security and community change to be seen in a richer, more accurate light.
John’s vision and leadership will be greatly missed by the staff, board, and community partners. We wish him the best of luck in his next chapter, which includes prioritizing parenting and family commitments.
The Board will be conducting a thorough search to find DataWorks NC’s next Executive Director. It is our priority to find a dynamic leader with a deep commitment to DataWorks NC’s core values of social, economic, and racial justice, keen self-awareness and strength of character that provides leadership while welcoming collaboration, an ability to think innovatively about strategic partnerships, and the ability to articulate a vision that motivates internal and external stakeholders from multiple sectors and in diverse settings. We will share the job announcement soon and ask for your help in identifying candidates to lead DataWorks NC’s growth in its next phase.
The Board is dedicated to support this transition by knowledge transfer to the new Executive Director through a careful orientation, meaningful introductions, and on-going coaching resources. We will also provide support to current staff who continue DataWorks NC’s mission during this time of transition.
We are looking forward to staying in relationship with the Durham community as this transition occurs. Please reach out to our board chair Marissa Mortiboy at marissa@dataworks-nc.org with any questions, recommendations, or comments.
Please join us in thanking John and the whole DataWorks NC community for their incredible work.
Sincerely,
DataWorks NC Board of Directors
Leave a Reply