October 16, 2011 | Read Time: 1 minute
Why she’s leaving: Marguerite W. Kondracke, 65, who since 2004 has led the America’s Promise Alliance—a network of more than 400 charities, companies, religious organizations, and advocacy groups—says it is time for a leadership change at the Washington group. “It’s very important that every organization have fresh blood and fresh energy and fresh ideas,” she says.
Biggest accomplishment: In 2010, the alliance started Grad Nation, a decade-long campaign to reduce the number of teenagers who drop out of high school. It has also bolstered its efforts to influence legislation to help children.
Career path: Before she joined the alliance, Ms. Kondracke served as commissioner of Tennessee’s Department of Human Services. She also helped found and lead Bright Horizons Family Solutions, an organization that works with businesses to provide child care for employees.
What’s next: She plans to become a senior adviser to the alliance after stepping down from her position, and will remain chief executive until a successor is named. She hopes to help raise $50-million for the Grad Nation Community Impact Fund, which will provide grants to projects that seek to lower dropout rates.
