Joint Statement from the ECCO Board of Directors
After nearly a decade of extraordinary leadership and service, ECCO announces that Executive Director Stephanie Kelley will be stepping down from her role as she relocates to Pennsylvania to be closer to family. Separately, Director of Development & Marketing Don Squires has accepted a new professional opportunity and will also be departing the organization.
While the timing of these transitions overlaps, both decisions were made independently and come at a natural moment in ECCO’s evolution following the successful completion of several transformational organizational milestones.
Stephanie led ECCO through one of the most significant and impactful periods in the organization’s history. Under her leadership, ECCO successfully completed a historic $5.6 million capital campaign that exceeded expectations and positioned the organization for a bold and sustainable future. Through the incredible generosity of the community, ECCO completed a major renovation and expansion of its facilities – dramatically enhanced the organization’s ability to serve neighbors throughout the Lowcountry with dignity, compassion, and hope.
Over the past eight years, ECCO has strengthened and expanded its programs, increased community partnerships, deepened donor engagement, broadened volunteer involvement, and built a stronger operational and financial foundation. The organization’s momentum today is a direct reflection of the leadership, vision, and dedication that Stephanie brought to ECCO every day.
“Stephanie guided ECCO into an exciting new chapter,” said Drew Davis, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Because of her leadership, combined with the unwavering support of staff, volunteers, donors, houses of worship, and community partners, ECCO is stronger, more sustainable, and better positioned for the future than at any point in its history.”
ECCO was founded on the vision and compassion of one remarkable man, Monsignor James A. Carter, but its success has always been driven by a community of people coming together to care for their neighbors in a time of need. That spirit continues to define ECCO today and gives the Board tremendous confidence and optimism about the organization’s future.
“These transitions come at a time of great strength for ECCO,” said Dr. John Maize, Jr., Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. “With a newly renovated facility, a talented and committed staff, a clear strategic vision, and tremendous community support, ECCO is exceptionally well-positioned for continued growth and impact in the years ahead.”
Stephanie and Don agree that it has been a privilege for them to tell ECCO’s story and support its mission. “It has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve ECCO and this community,” said Stephanie Kelley. “I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished together and deeply grateful for the relationships and experiences that have shaped these past nine years. ECCO has tremendous momentum, and I have complete confidence that its future is brighter than ever.”
ECCO remains steadfast in its mission and the Board of Directors will immediately begin the process of identifying the organization’s next Executive Director and development leadership while working closely with staff and community stakeholders to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition process.