We are sad to share that longtime Eden I&R Executive Director, Alison DeJung, is leaving the agency in early 2025.
For more than 12 years (eight as Executive Director), Alison has poured her heart and soul into supporting the most vulnerable in our Alameda County community. Among other things, under her leadership, the agency more than doubled its operating budget, adding several new programs and partnerships, including:
- Launch of the transportation department, providing concierge ride scheduling service for seniors and people living with disabilities.
- Management of Alameda County’s affordable housing portal (in partnership with Alameda County Housing & Community Development).
- Founding the 211/City Manager Work Group that resulted in a new, increased funding model of 211 that was adopted by nearly every city in Alameda County.
Alison also spearheaded the agency’s first-ever annual organizational work and development plans and, very importantly, invested significantly in equity, transforming the agency’s hiring and promotion processes.
In addition to growing the agency’s scope and impact, Alison has significantly expanded the agency’s Board of Directors and built a strong leadership team, including Deputy Director, Tiffany Major, and Director of Programs, Gitanjali Rawat. Tiffany and Gitanjali led the agency while Alison stepped away this fall to take care of her ailing mother.
“I am preparing to leave Eden I&R with a sense of both gratitude and accomplishment…I move to my next chapter with a deep sense of thankfulness for the opportunity to have worked at an agency that I credit for transforming my life,” Alison stated. To read Alison’s full statement regarding her transition, click here.
The Eden I&R Board of Directors will conduct a full executive search for Alison’s successor in 2025. During this time, Gitanjali and Tiffany will act as interim co-executive directors following Alison’s departure. In these interim roles, Gitanjali will provide leadership across Eden’s various programs, and Tiffany will lead administrative operations. Tiffany and Gitanjali will work together with the Board on strategic decisions, including overall agency operations and external partnerships. Gitanjali and Tiffany will have the full support of the board during this interim period.
While we are sad to see Alison go, we are so appreciative of the tremendous impact she has made as Executive Director and will miss her partnership, friendship, and vision. On behalf of Eden I&R’s staff and clients, we wish her all the best for her next chapter.
With warmth,
Eden I&R Board of Directors
