Dear Valued Community,

Thanks to the remarkable generosity of our community supporters, the Board of Directors has voted to reverse the dissolution decision made on August 25. This decision ensures that 501 Commons will continue delivering essential services to Washington State’s nonprofit community.

You can read more about the background of this decision and the extraordinary response from our community in our official announcement: 501 Commons Board Announcement.

This crisis has reinforced the importance of streamlining our organization and reducing administrative costs. These steps are essential to ensuring that 501 Commons can continue providing critical services and remain a strong partner to nonprofits navigating similar challenges.

In light of this challenge, we are writing to share an important leadership update. After careful discussions, the Board of Directors and LeeAnn Stivers have reached a mutual decision that her role as Executive Director will conclude on October 3, 2025. This decision is not a reflection of performance, but rather a reflection of the organization’s responsibility to align staffing with its evolving financial and operational model so that we can remain sustainable, equitable, and accountable.

We want to recognize LeeAnn’s many contributions during this period of extraordinary challenge and extend gratitude to the staff, clients, and partners who have worked alongside us. She has led with transparency and integrity, providing clarity during moments of uncertainty and ensuring that difficult decisions were made openly and responsibly. These efforts have laid the foundation for 501 Commons to move forward with a stabilization plan that ensures we can continue serving nonprofits with clarity, accountability, and resilience.

On September 16, Marc Garcia assumed leadership as Interim Executive Director. Marc currently serves as 501 Commons’ Head of Finance and Administration and is a former member of our Board of Directors. His strong financial expertise, deep knowledge of our operations, and experience as a former Executive Director make him well-prepared to guide the organization during this transition.

This interim structure reduces executive leadership costs in the short term while giving the board and management team the opportunity to evaluate how our operating model can best support the organization’s long-term sustainability. Marc’s financial acumen and organizational knowledge will help ensure that cost containment and stabilization efforts continue without interruption.

Beginning September 16, LeeAnn will shift into an advisory role through October 3 to support Marc and ensure a smooth handoff. Our focus remains on providing reliable, high-quality services to nonprofits across Washington.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership during this time of change.

With gratitude,

LeeAnn Stivers
Executive Director

Richard Starnes
Board President, on behalf of the Board of Directors