Monique Jones.

The Evanston Community Foundation’s president and CEO, Monique Jones, has resigned to take on the same position at Forefront, a statewide association representing grantmakers and nonprofits.

In a statement, the ECF board said, “Monique’s exemplary leadership has progressed the Foundation’s efforts toward creating a more vibrant, equitable and inclusive Evanston.”

“It has been an honor to serve the Evanston community for the last five years, and I’m extremely proud of the work we’ve done,” Jones said.

The resignation is effective Dec. 11.

ECF Board Chair Lisa Altenbernd said, “The board remains committed to the vital mission of the Foundation and we expect that our initiatives to serve our community will move forward unimpeded.”

Altenbernd added that a search committee has been formed and an interim executive director will be appointed while the board works with an executive recruitment firm to find a permanent replacement.

Forefront’s board chair, Greg DiDomenico, in a statement praised Jones for having diversified the board, staff and community investments at the ECF and said, “Most remarkably, amidst the COVID-19 global pandemic, Monique led the team in a total realignment of priorities, raising and distributing close to $4M in grants to address the immediate needs caused by the pandemic.”

Bill Smith is the editor and publisher of Evanston Now.

Leave a comment

The goal of our comment policy is to make the comments section a vibrant yet civil space. Treat each other with respect — even the people you disagree with. Whenever possible, provide links to credible documentary evidence to back up your factual claims.