Texas Women’s Foundation interim president and CEO Dena Jackson, Ph.D., will leave the organization at the end of the month and the organization said that Hattie Hill will serve as executive in residence.
It said that Jackson and Hill will work together to ensure a smooth transition. Texas Women’s Foundation said it is working with Victory Search Partners to fill the open CEO role.
“Dena stepped up to serve as interim CEO and provide stability. We are grateful for her service, which enabled our organization to stay focused on what is most important: supporting women and girls in Texas. During Dena’s tenure, she spearheaded our vital research Economic Issues for Women in Texas, which is celebrating its 10th year and has been the basis of our focus on the pillars that support economic stability for women in our state,” TXWF Chair of the Board Carrie Freeman Parsons said in a statement. “Additionally, she extended TXWF’s reach into the community as well as our profile as the expert on challenges facing women and girls. We owe Dena a debt of gratitude for her tireless support of Texas Women’s Foundation.”
The foundation said that 15 years ago, Jackson first served as a volunteer and donor, and then in 2012, she was hired as senior vice president of grants and research. Jackson eventually became chief strategy officer responsible for research, advocacy, strategy and collaboration with stakeholders.
At the board’s request, Jackson assumed the role of interim president and CEO in spring 2023.
“My last 12 years at Texas Women’s Foundation have truly been the best of my working life. It has been an honor to focus on the many ways Texas women contribute to our great state with my dedicated coworkers, grantee partners and donors,” Jackson said.
Hill is a long-standing supporter of the Foundation and experienced CEO of non-profits, and the foundation said she primarily will ensure ongoing organization health and help prepare the board and organization for its new CEO.
Once the new CEO is hired, Hill will assist with the onboarding process and then continue her role as a board and executive committee member. Hill is president and CEO of Hattie Hill Enterprises Inc. She has served as CEO of two nonprofits and is a board member of the Prosper Co.
“I’m honored to support the TXWF’s staff as they continue the work of making our communities stronger and more vibrant through grants, advocacy, and leadership,” Hill said in a statement. “While the search for CEO continues, I am deeply passionate about the TXWF’s mission, and I want to ensure a good starting place for the new CEO.”
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