Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks is looking for a new leader.

President and CEO Ashley French has resigned to pursue other career opportunities.

Here’s more from Big Brothers Big Sisters:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks’ CEO, Ashley French, has announced her resignation from the agency to pursue other career opportunities.

Ashley’s last day with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ozarks will be November 25, 2020.

Ashley, who has been the CEO of the agency since 2016, helped the agency launch its
current Impact 1000 plan, which seeks to further the agency’s goal of serving 1,000 children within the community.

Ashley has also guided the agency through significant challenges caused by the current Covid-19 pandemic, including the stay-at-home orders that prevented Bigs from
meeting with Littles, the closure of Springfield Public Schools which caused the agency to suspend its lunch buddies program, and the loss of in-person fundraising events.

Through Ashley’s determination and leadership, the agency has remained financially stable, and pivoted its services, including by developing its new Focused Youth Area Mentoring Program, which seeks to expand the reach of its mission and provide targeted impact goals for matches.

With the impact the pandemic has had on families and youth, especially at risk youth, the services Big Brothers Big Sisters provides is needed now more than ever. Ashley and the Board of Directors are confident in the agency’s future.

With a talented and dedicated staff, the leadership of the Board of Directors, and the help of generous donors and volunteers, the agency will continue to provide at risk youth the role models and positive one-one-one relationships that help change their lives for the better.

“Ashley has done an admirable job during her tenure as CEO. She has guided the agency
through challenging times and we greatly value her dedication to the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters and her contributions to the agency,” said Courtney Brown, Board President. “Though we will miss Ashley and wish her well with her new endeavors, I am confident our brightest days are ahead, and that we will find a new leader who will help lead the agency toward our goal of serving 1,000 children.”