After more than 13 years, President & CEO Jim Reese will retire from Atlanta Mission effective July 1, 2022.

The Atlanta Mission Board of Directors, chaired by Tom Wilkes, announced that Jim Reese, President and CEO, will retire effective July 1, 2022 after more than 13 years of leadership with Atlanta Mission and the greater Atlanta community. Reese, who will be 69 next year, is one of less than ten presidents in Atlanta Mission’s 83-year history.

The search for Atlanta Mission’s next CEO, led by a committee of seven current and past Board members, supported by executive search consultant CarterBaldwin, will begin immediately. It is anticipated that the new leader will be identified in the spring of 2022, allowing a healthy transition period before Jim’s retirement on July 1st.

“Jim has selflessly dedicated the last 13 years of his life to improve the lives of thousands of Atlanta’s most vulnerable men, women, and children, many of whom may never know his name. While we are sad to see Jim pass the torch, we are a much stronger organization as a result of his vision, innovation, and leadership. We feel confident in what the future holds for Atlanta Mission,” said Board Chair Tom Wilkes.

During his time at Atlanta Mission, Jim has led Atlanta Mission through a complete redesign of services, several major capital campaigns, and has uniquely positioned Atlanta Mission to serve even more individuals facing homelessness in Atlanta.

“My family and I am humbled to have had the opportunity to serve Atlanta Mission and the greater Atlanta community for more than 13 years,” said Reese. “God has made this ministry strong and ready for this transition. Atlanta Mission is one of the healthiest, most innovative rescue missions in the country. Many people have gotten us to where we are today, and many more will lead us in the future.”

For more information on how Jim made his decision, and what comes next for Atlanta Mission, watch this video: