ABN CEO Passes Baton to Jerry Askew
By Sam on January 30, 2017
KNOXVILLE, TENN., Jan. 30, 2017 – Current Alliance for Better Nonprofits (ABN) CEO Chris Martin is announcing his planned departure from the organization, handing duties off to Jerry Askew, former Vice President of External Relations for Tennova Healthcare. Originally conceptualized in 2014, ABN was launched in September 2015 as a training and resource center for the nonprofits of East Tennessee. To date, the organization has recruited over 200 nonprofit members to join ABN. For Martin, the goals he initially set out to complete have been fulfilled.
“I have been truly blessed to be part of this great organization and see it go from an idea to a reality,” Martin said. “Our progress over the last 16 months has been fantastic and I am excited to see the group continue to flourish as Jerry takes the helm as our permanent CEO.”
Martin also serves as CEO of Knoxville Leadership Foundation and agreed to take on the additional role with ABN through its ideation and launch phase until a permanent CEO solution could be put in place. The services ABN provides through capacity-building, resources, training, and consulting have been well-received by the East Tennessee community.
Askew, Martin’s successor, has a long history of service in East Tennessee and aims to combine his passion for serving the local community with extensive career experience to further continue the success of ABN. Askew was employed by the University of Tennessee from 1985-1998, serving as Dean of Students, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development, and Associate Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs. Following his time with UT, Askew served as the President and CEO of the East Tennessee Foundation until 2001, when he began his tenure with Tennova Healthcare, holding several titles within previous Tennova entities.
In addition to his career experience, Askew sits numerous boards, including Knoxville Utility Board, Leadership Knoxville, Western Governors University Tennessee, and Metro Drug Coalition. Askew is also a Vocational Deacon for the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee, currently serving St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Knoxville.
“It is an absolute honor to be chosen to fill this role,” Askew said. “Chris Martin has done an extraordinary job launching ABN, and I look forward to helping build upon the solid foundation he laid.”
Martin will serve as CEO until mid-March, when Askew will officially take over.
Alliance for Better Nonprofits Media Contact:
Cal Davis
865-584-0550
cdavis@ackermannpr.com