Project Return CEO steps down next month
After more than a decade at the helm of Project Return and a year after bringing the nonprofit program to Chattanooga, Bettie Kirkland is stepping down as CEO at the end of October.
Project Return was founded in 1979 by Nashvillians Bill Barnes and Don Beisswenger. Under Kirkland’s leadership, the nonprofit has launched two employment-creating social enterprises, through which Project Return is the best first employer after incarceration, and a third enterprise known as PRO Housing, an innovative affordable housing initiative. The Nashville-based program expanded to Chattanooga in 2021.
“Thanks to (Kirkland’s) leadership and vision, the future is bright for Project Return and its ability to have an even greater impact on the lives of all we serve, and on the community at large,” Charles Story, chair of the board of Project Return, said in an announcement of Kirland’s resignation.
Last year, Project Return was one of 10 nonprofits internationally to be named by Fast Company to its “World’s Most Innovative Companies” List.