Deidre DeJear named president of Oakridge Neighborhood nonprofit

Former Iowa gubernatorial candidate Deidre DeJear has been named Oakridge Neighborhood's new president and CEO, according to a news release. DeJear was selected by the organization's board of directors to succeed the late Teree Caldwell-Johnson, who died in late March of cancer .

For almost 20 years, Caldwell-Johnson led the nonprofit that provided low-income and refugee families with affordable housing and other resources before pulling back to focus on her health. Kristin Clayton, vice president of finance and administration, stepped into an interim executive director role after Caldwell-Johnson died, according to the release.

DeJear, in a release, said she is "deeply honored" to take on the position and carry Caldwell-Johnson's vision forward.

"This organization holds a special place in my heart, so it is both a privilege and a responsibility to build upon its strong foundation," she said in a statement. "I look forward to working alongside the dedicated staff, board, and community to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents and ensuring that Oakridge remains a beacon of hope and opportunity.

"As I step into leadership, I am inspired by Teree Caldwell-Johnson's enduring legacy and the profound mark her visionary leadership has left on Oakridge and the Greater Des Moines community."

What to know about Deidre DeJear

DeJear is a small business owner and was the 2022 Democratic nominee for Iowa governor. She also co-founded Back 2 School Iowa , an initiative that has long sought to help offer youth school supplies and other services through partnered community groups, the release stated.

DeJear has also served on several boards, including the City of Des Moines Housing Services and the advocacy group Healthy Birth Day. Among her many accolades, DeJear was named Women of Influence Emerging Leader in 2019 and 2018's Business Publications Forty Under 40.

F. Amanda Tugade covers social justice issues for the Des Moines Register. Email her at ftugade@dmreg.com or follow her on Twitter @writefelissa .

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Deidre DeJear named president of Oakridge Neighborhood nonprofit