Genesys Works Chicago is excited to announce that Jim Morgan, a successful businessman with extensive nonprofit experience, has been selected as the new Executive Director. Jim begins his new role on June 16th and will complete a two-week transition period with current Executive Director Eric Patton, who is retiring and will continue his involvement as a member of the Board of Directors.

“As a lifelong Chicagoan, I’m excited to be part of a team that’s reshaping the future of so many of our low-income youth,” said Morgan, who joins Genesys Works from PSA Solutions, where he was Chief Operating Officer. In addition to his corporate background, which also includes leadership roles at JPMorgan Chase and Navigant Consulting, Morgan has been a strong advocate for Chicago’s underserved. For 25 years, he has been involved with Link Unlimited, an academic and mentoring program for at-risk children. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Christopher House, a children and family social services agency, and has been involved for more than 10 years.

With his corporate and nonprofit experience, Morgan is perfectly suited to lead Genesys Works, which partners with the business community to empower Chicago’s underprivileged high school students to seek an education and professional career.

“Thanks to Eric’s leadership over the last five years, Genesys Works has grown from the ground up in Chicago to become an incredibly strong organization,” said Paul Maranville, Chairman of the Genesys Works Chicago Board of Directors, “and I’m confident that Jim is the ideal person for ensuring that we continue to expand our reach into this community and serve our mission.”

Under Patton’s leadership, Genesys Works not only initiated operations in Chicago, but has experienced remarkable growth: from serving 32 students and partnering with 7 clients in 2010, to 175 students and 30 client partners in 2015. And, with a strategic growth plan in place, the program is on track to double in size by 2017.

“It has been an incredible five years,” said Patton, “and I look forward to working closely with Jim not only during our formal transition period, but long after. Although I’m retiring, my passion for the work we do is as strong as ever, and I’m honored to continue supporting Genesys Works as a member of the Board of Directors.”