PEABODY — Citizens Inn has announced that Executive Director Corey Jackson is stepping down.
“The Board of Directors of Citizens would like to announce with sadness and gratitude the resignation of its long-serving executive director,” Citizens’ President Stephen Vesey said in an email statement on Friday. “The Board of Directors thanks Corey for all he has done for Citizens Inn and wished him well in his future endeavors.”
Jackson said he is leaving to accept a partnership position with Sarah J. Consulting, a company Jackson said is a successful nonprofit initiative that his wife, Sarah, launched about a decade ago.
“It has grown exponentially over the past two years,” Jackson said in a statement Friday. “We now see the great potential of joining together to establish SJC as a thriving family business that offers services extending beyond what either of us alone could offer.”
Jackson said that, alongside Citizens Inn’s “wonderful board, staff, donors, volunteers and clients, we have together reached many important milestones.”
Jackson cited the the merger and renovation of Haven from Hunger; the organization’s rebranding; strategic planning; increased revenue from fundraising; the strengthening of relationships and partnerships across the community; staff growth; navigation of the COVID-19 pandemic; and implementing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives as major achievements during his tenure.
“None of these efforts, nor the vital daily work of providing food and housing to those in need, would be possible without the dedication and expertise of our incredible staff members,” said Jackson. “Because Citizens Inn’s operations and finances are in such a strong, healthy position, it now feels appropriate to transition to my next professional endeavor.”
Vesey credited Jackson for “taking Citizens Inn to new heights and has done so with talent, kindness, compassion, enthusiasm and an unwavering commitment to the importance of treating every human being with dignity.
“Corey will leave Citizens Inn with a solid foundation in all areas, which bodes well for the organization’s future.”
Jackson said he was honored to have served Citizens Inn. He added that he was a neighbor of founder Mary Jane Lee and began as a volunteer and board member before advancing up the ladder to executive director, a position he was appointed to in 2013. While leaving the organization as its top employee, he isn’t going anywhere.
“When I was young and my family became involved with Mary Jane’s organization, I could have never known what a meaningful place Citizens Inn would ultimately have in my professional and personal life,” Jackson said.
“I very much look forward to continuing to volunteer for this nonprofit, which gives our community so much. Providing safety, support, dignity and resources to those in greatest need will always be a priority for my family and me.”
Jackson will stay on until the end of June 2022 to help “facilitate a smooth and solid transition process.”
Vesey said an executive search firm has been retained to find Jackson’s successor. Further details, including the application process, will be released to the public no later than the week of Jan. 24.
“Corey Jackson’s leadership and the human being (he is) will be greatly missed,” said Vesey. “We look forward to conducting a search to find a replacement to ensure continued success and development for the organization.”
