NCCJ names Jennifer Ruppe as President & CEO

September 26, 2024
Category: News
Tags: Community, Leadership, NCCJ, News,

We are thrilled to announce Jennifer Ruppe as NCCJ’s next president and CEO. Jennifer, who has served as executive director of Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Center since 2018, is a North Carolina native with 20 years of philanthropic experience rooted in community building and collaboration in Greensboro.

“We spent many months searching for our next leader,” says NCCJ board chair, Madeleine Dassow, “and I could not be more delighted by the search committee’s recommendation. Jennifer has a driving passion for NCCJ’s mission, and she brings a wealth of nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, and fundraising experience to this important role, NCCJ is in good hands.”

Under Jennifer’s leadership, Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Center has transformed from a small grant-making foundation to a thriving community center that delivers a wide range of programs and a foundation that invests in the capacity of LGBTQ community partners. She previously worked with organizations including United Way of Greater Greensboro and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Piedmont. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies and a master’s degree in public affairs with a focus on nonprofit management (MPA) from UNCG.

“I am incredibly honored to be entrusted to lead the next chapter in NCCJ’s rich history,” Jennifer says. “I have long admired NCCJ’s commitment to creating a place where everyone has a seat at the table. I look forward to working with the community, board, and staff as we continue to create kind and compassionate communities for all.”

“Our team is excited to work with Jennifer,” says Erika Rain Wilhite. Erika joined NCCJ’s staff as development director in 2016 and has led the organization as interim executive director since January. “GGF has been a key community partner to NCCJ for many years, which means many of us already know her and the positive impact her leadership has made here in our community. We’re confident Jennifer is the right person to lead NCCJ into our next chapter.”

“NCCJ is profoundly grateful to Charles Aris for their generous, pro bono service to NCCJ,” says Alison Whitman Jones, the organization’s longest-tenured staff member (Alison joined NCCJ’s staff in 2008 and currently serves as finance and data analytics director). “We also want to express our deep gratitude to the volunteer members of our search committee, also known as the Transition Team, for their committed and diligent work throughout this long search process. We cannot thank them enough – but we’ll try.”

The NCCJ Transition Team was comprised of committee co-chairs Mona Gillis Edwards (past board chair) and Neil Belenky; Ayesha Oglesby (past board member and Anytown parent); Brian Goldberg (past board member); Frank McCain; James Reid (Anytown alum); Madeleine Dassow (current board chair and Anytown parent); Milagros Russell (board chair-elect); Tara McKenzie Sandercock (board member and Anytown parent); Wanda Edwards Walker; and Jennifer Martineau (immediate past board chair), who served on the committee in an ex officio capacity.

“We want the community to match the staff’s enthusiasm in welcoming Jennifer into this role,” says Erika. “She’ll start in January, but in the meantime, she’ll make her public debut as NCCJ’s new leader at the Citation Award Dinner in November. Hopefully folks will come out to support Jennifer and celebrate our extraordinary honorees.”

NCCJ’s 58th annual Citation Award Dinner will take place on Wednesday, November 6 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Koury Convention Center in Greensboro. Co-chaired by Sue and Gary Simmons, the evening will honor Ellen W. “Lennie” Gerber and Dr. Henry “Hank” W.B. Smith, III for their extraordinary work to expand civil rights and equitable access to healthcare in our community. Tickets and sponsorship information can be found at www.nccjtriad.org/citation.