Dear Community,
RESPOND has never been just my job. For fourteen years, it has been a huge source of personal and professional pride.
Every day, I am afforded the privilege of seeing people meet Herculean milestones: children experiencing safety for the first time in years (possibly ever), parents finding (their own!) homes free of abuse, staff acquiring new skills and leadership roles in the movement. While I watch these marvels unfold, I am blessed to be flanked by a deeply committed, talented, hard working team and Board of Directors. This work is hard. The humility and grace that my colleagues bring to this work has buoyed me year after year.
That’s why it’s incredibly emotional to share that I have decided to leave my position at RESPOND and join my family in North Carolina.
I am collaborating closely with RESPOND’s Board of Directors, senior leadership team, and John Tarvin of Etwos Transition Partners to find the right leader for RESPOND’s next chapter. Rest assured, the executive search process is well underway. (You can read more about the position here.) Until RESPOND’s next leader is on board, I will continue to have both hands on the helm and to chart our course as we negotiate all that comes our way.
If you’ve heard me say it once, then you’ve heard it a thousand times: what makes RESPOND unique is the cast and crew of thousands of people who do their part to end domestic violence—and that includes you. I continue to be so grateful for your partnership, support of our work and clients, and the inventive ways you cheer us on and bring cheer to the RESPOND community.
Working with you to bring safety and a new life to others has truly been an honor and a privilege I will be grateful for always.
Please reach out with any questions or just to say farewell (but not goodbye).
Regards,
Jessica C. Brayden
