The YWCA Lower Cape Fear announced Tuesday that Velva Jenkins, the organization's president and CEO, will step down effective Jan. 31. 

Jenkins joined the organization as a member of its board of directors in 2018 and later served as interim CEO in 2019 before being permanently appointed to the role. 

“Although I initially envisioned a brief tenure (at YWCA), I quickly realized there was much more work to be done, which compelled me to stay longer and contribute to our mission,” Jenkins stated in a news release. “It has been an honor to serve, and I look forward to seeing the continued impact of our efforts.”

According to the release, the YWCA's board of directors fully supports Jenkins’ decision and expects a “smooth transition.”  

“We are confident that our next leader will build upon the momentum created during Velva’s tenure and continue advancing the essential work of this organization,” the release stated.

Jenkins’ achievements during her six years of leadership include keeping the doors of the YWCA open through the COVID-19 pandemic to support working families, expanding outreach programs across the region and launching a capital campaign – just the second in the organization's 111-year history – which has secured more than $6 million.

Before joining the YWCA, Jenkins held leadership positions at Brunswick Community College for 32 years, starting as the Director of the Small Business Center.

The YWCA has selected North Carolina-based moss+ross, a consulting firm for nonprofits, to lead the search for the next CEO. According to the release, the search process is underway, and interested candidates or nominators can contact Carrie Gray, YWCA’s Director of Executive Search, at 919-255-2167.