Planning for Leadership Transition

July 1, 2024

Dear Danforth Center Community,

When I came to the Danforth Center as President in early 2011, there was no thought about how long I’d be here. There were too many possibilities at hand, and so much to build and achieve together with the Danforth Center community, our partners and our supporters. But over 13 years later, the time has arrived to ask the question, “How long?” After much consideration, I’ve decided to step down as President and CEO of the Danforth Center after one more year, on July 1, 2025. This decision was made with the Danforth Center’s future, my family, and sexagenarian biology in mind, and with peace in feeling that it’s time. 

Planning for succession and identifying the next leader, like everything at the Danforth Center, will be a collaborative effort. Penny Pennington (Chair, Board of Directors) will lead the search for a new President. Penny will appoint a search advisory committee, which will include representation from the Board as well as the Danforth Center community. She will start communication soon about the search process, the anticipated timeline, and how input from the Center community and stakeholders will be received. 

In addition to my current roles, responsibilities and goals over the next year (I’m not done yet!), I’ll be working to ensure that opportunities for the next President, and for members of the Danforth Center community, are as abundant as they were for me when I started. That means much attention will be focused on resource development for both current priorities and future opportunities, and on those things that promote success for the next President and the Center community. 

I love the Danforth Center, our people and our shared purpose. I expect that I’ll always be a part of this unique and impactful institution. And I know the Center will benefit greatly from the necessary renewal of perspective, ideas, and talents that come with a new leader. In the meantime, I look forward to one more year of achievement with you in this position I’ve been so fortunate to hold. 

Jim Carrington
President & CEO