Farah Jimenez Resigns as CEO of People’s Emergency Center

The People’s Emergency Center (PEC) has announced that CEO and President Farah Jimenez resigned as of August 12 after four years leading the social services and community development nonprofit.

“Despite what we’ve accomplished together, and the potential that remains at PEC, I’ve concluded that now is the time for me to step away and make room for new leadership. I’ve no doubt, PEC will continue to do great things,” said Jimenez in a press release.

During her tenure, PEC led the development of the Make Your Mark neighborhood plan, started a program to engage academics in community development, and recently helped bring Night Market to Lancaster Avenue, which runs through the heart of the nonprofit’s service-area.

Jimenez is often credited with raising the profile of the neighborhoods served by PEC, such as Mantua, Belmont and Saunders Park. In addition, the area has gotten increased attention after the Obama Administration designated it as one of five Promise Zones, special zones where revitalization efforts will be concentrated.

Jimenez led the Northwest Philadelphia-based community development corporation Mt. Airy USA for 13 years prior to joining PEC.

Kathy Desmond, PEC’s chief program officer, will serve as interim CEO. Generocity.org will continue to watch this development in the upcoming weeks.