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HCI Executive Director Zach Pruitt steps down after 17 years

Every teen (and parent) knows that big changes happen in 17 years. HCI has a big change to share: Executive Director Zach Pruitt has decided to step away after 17 years leading HCI.

“Being HCI’s Executive Director has been one of the great joys of my life,” Zach says. “I am incredibly proud of the organization that we all have built together and the impact that HCI’s work has on the community.”

HCI is in a strong position to manage this transition, with a dedicated staff of 41, a skilled leadership team, strong partnerships, and solid financials. “It’s because of this that I feel especially confident that the time is right to hand the baton to the next Executive Director,” Zach says.

HCI is aiming for a smooth transition timed to the start of the school year. The executive committee of HCI’s board is setting a search plan now. Zach intends to stay with HCI into the transition to help make it as seamless as possible and ensure that HCI and the next director are positioned for success.

No other changes in staffing are expected.

 

Under Zach’s leadership, HCI has:

Grown from a $125,000 organization in 2005 to a $3.2 million organization today
Expanded to serve all of Rice County
Built a staff of 41, up from two in 2005
Brought to the community over $20 million in grants for youth- and family-serving initiatives
Launched Northfield Promise, one of nearly 70 cradle-to-career initiatives across the U.S. Northfield Promise’s 10 benchmarks include kindergarten readiness, high school graduation, and career pathways. It’s the first program in Minnesota to earn national recognition as a “Proof Point Community”

 

“Zach exemplifies servant leadership at its best, and his contributions to HCI and our communities have been substantial,” says Keith Argabright, HCI board co-chair. “Zach has built a great, collaborative team – staff and partners. He has secured a solid financial position for HCI. We all owe him many thanks.”

“Working alongside Zach this year has taught me what true leadership and dedication looks like,” says Amira Haileab, HCI board co-chair and Northfield High School graduate of 2022. “Zach’s devotion to HCI has made the organization and the community so much stronger.”

Want to share your thanks, too? Make a comment here, or drop a note to HCI at 1651 Jefferson Parkway, Northfield MN 55057.



HCI Executive Director Zach Pruitt steps down after 17 years


Zach at 2019 Free Bikes 4 Kidz community event

Every teen (and parent) knows that big changes happen in 17 years. HCI has a big change to share: Executive Director Zach Pruitt has decided to step away after 17 years leading HCI.

“Being HCI’s Executive Director has been one of the great joys of my life,” Zach says. “I am incredibly proud of the organization that we all have built together and the impact that HCI’s work has on the community.”

HCI is in a strong position to manage this transition, with a dedicated staff of 41, a skilled leadership team, strong partnerships, and solid financials. “It’s because of this that I feel especially confident that the time is right to hand the baton to the next Executive Director,” Zach says.

HCI is aiming for a smooth transition timed to the start of the school year. The executive committee of HCI’s board is setting a search plan now. Zach intends to stay with HCI into the transition to help make it as seamless as possible and ensure that HCI and the next director are positioned for success.

No other changes in staffing are expected.

 

Under Zach’s leadership, HCI has:

Grown from a $125,000 organization in 2005 to a $3.2 million organization today
Expanded to serve all of Rice County
Built a staff of 41, up from two in 2005
Brought to the community over $20 million in grants for youth- and family-serving initiatives
Launched Northfield Promise, one of nearly 70 cradle-to-career initiatives across the U.S. Northfield Promise’s 10 benchmarks include kindergarten readiness, high school graduation, and career pathways. It’s the first program in Minnesota to earn national recognition as a “Proof Point Community”

 

“Zach exemplifies servant leadership at its best, and his contributions to HCI and our communities have been substantial,” says Keith Argabright, HCI board co-chair. “Zach has built a great, collaborative team – staff and partners. He has secured a solid financial position for HCI. We all owe him many thanks.”

“Working alongside Zach this year has taught me what true leadership and dedication looks like,” says Amira Haileab, HCI board co-chair and Northfield High School graduate of 2022. “Zach’s devotion to HCI has made the organization and the community so much stronger.”

Want to share your thanks, too? Make a comment here, or drop a note to HCI at 1651 Jefferson Parkway, Northfield MN 55057.