Momentum, Progress, and Change - Executive Director Transition
Author Note: This newsletter was sent on February 6th, 2025 thus facts and figures may have changed since this date.
Dear friend,
Thank you so much for being a part of our incredible Progress Alliance community. I’m writing to share the bittersweet news that I’ve decided to leave my role as Executive Director this summer. At the end of last year, the board and I started discussing a transition plan, and we are planning a thoughtful and smooth process.
It has been an absolute honor to lead Progress Alliance for the last four years, and I couldn’t be more proud of what this network has accomplished together. Since 2021, we have:
Expanded our grantmaking to invest in 5 new regions in Washington State
Nearly doubled the money moving to candidates of color through First Mile
Helped elect more than 70 leaders across the state
Funded community engagement in consequential public processes, including the 2021 redistricting efforts, ranked choice voting and election reform in Seattle, and successfully challenging unfair districting in Yakima
Invested in the infrastructure for significant policy change, including:
Passing and protecting progressive revenue via the capital gains to fund childcare and school construction
Expanding protections for reproductive health care, including the Shield Act to protect providers, patients, and helpers from criminalization
Winning a $65 million dollar investment in healthy homes and weatherization driven by our grantees in rural parts of the state
Looking back at my time, I’m so proud of how we leaned in to support a new generation of leaders - providing support to research, advocacy, and policy change organizations during their moments of transition and change. The board, staff, and I are approaching my departure with the same sense of abundance and steadfast commitment to the future of Progress Alliance and our network of more than 20 organizations. I’m working closely with the board and staff on a process to find our next leader. We’ll be sharing more news on that front soon.
One thing that won’t change is our vision for momentum and progress - today, tomorrow, and always. Building a permanent progressive infrastructure requires stability, a long view, and funding. We’re launching a Momentum Fund campaign with a goal to raise $300,000, kick-start our strategic goal to double our capacity-building grants, solidify and export First Mile, and ensure our next leader enters from a place of strength. So far, we’ve received $50K in pledged support. I’ll be asking those close to our work to make a one-time investment to help us reach our goal, and every member will have an opportunity to contribute.
I’ve never left a job that I love as much as this one, and the most significant part of that has been the community. I’ve gotten to know members who share our vision over coffees, lunches, and rallies. Grantee staff who I’ve conspired (for good!) with and met all around our wonderful state. And the PA staff and board, who’ve been the best teammates I could have asked for. Thank you for welcoming me, working with me, and building this movement together.
I know Progress Alliance will continue to be a place you can count on for community, insights, connection, and impact.
I look forward to the next chapter of building our future together.
-Dionne
