SMITHFIELD – Special Olympics Rhode Island is now looking for a new leader.
The organization announced late Wednesday that its CEO, Dennis DeJesus, will retire on July 1 after leading the prominent local sports nonprofit for 12 years. DeJesus said in a statement that it was a difficult decision to step away from Special Olympics Rhode Island, but he believes that now is the right time to do so.
DeJesus said the motivation for working as the organization’s CEO for more than a decade was the opportunity to get to know the athletes Special Olympics Rhode Island serves.
“Leading the organization for the past 12 years has been an incredible honor,” DeJesus said. “I have been extremely fortunate to have had the privilege to work alongside the many talented and dedicated board of directors, staff, sponsors, coaches, volunteers and families that have contributed towards building the organization into what it is today. I am so proud of all that we have accomplished together.”
Special Olympics Rhode Island board Chairperson Staci Kolb said in a statement Wednesday that DeJesus has touched countless lives in his tenure as CEO in the fight to build more-inclusive communities and to ensure the organization’s athletes were accepted and respected.
Kolb said the board is confident that it can “identify a leader who will continue the momentum [DeJesus] has established during his successful tenure.”
James Bessette is the PBN special projects editor, and also covers the nonprofit and education sectors. You may reach him at Bessette@PBN.com. You may also follow him on Twitter at @James_Bessette.
