WS Chronicle

Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods (NBN) Executive Director Paula McCoy is set to retire today, Jan. 31, 2019. McCoy, who has led the organization for five years, is a seasoned community development advocate, having served on NBN’s inaugural board over 25 years ago.

A succession planning committee of the board is working with a human resources consultant to conduct a search for its next executive director. McCoy has agreed to lead the organization on a contractual basis until a successor has been identified.

NBN’s board and staff expressed gratitude to McCoy for her tremendous service and dedication to serving the organization’s mission and vision.

“Paula has dedicated five years and countless hours to NBN’s development, growth and progress. She has served as an inspiration to so many grassroots leaders and neighborhood residents whom she has helped to find their voice,” commented NBN Board Chair Alvin Atkinson. “Paula’s unwavering commitment has greatly enhanced the social and political fabric of the greater Winston-Salem community.”

Under McCoy’s leadership, NBN has increased its revenues by 500%, significantly enhanced its programs and reach, and introduced Time Banking to the Winston-Salem community. During her tenure, the organization has grown from 1.5 FTE staff members to seven. McCoy has also developed a strong partnership with the United Way of Forsyth County, which has led to more than $2.8 million in investments in neighborhoods in east and northeast Winston-Salem through the United Way’s Place Matters initiative.

“Paula has brought the organization to a healthy and stable place and is leaving it in far better shape than she found it,” Atkinson said. “We wish her success in all her future endeavors, knowing that her devotion to asset-based community development will continue to add value to the local nonprofit sector and our community.”

NBN hopes to name its next executive director by June 30, 2019.