Susan Stith Named Interim CEO
Concordance Begins Operations in South Carolina
ST. LOUIS – Aug. 15, 2024 – Concordance, a non-profit organization focused on ending the devastating cycle of reincarceration, announced today that it is initiating a national search for a new chief executive officer.
“Concordance is committed to finding a world-class leader to move us forward and achieve our vital mission,” said David Steward, Chairman of the Concordance Board of Directors and the Chairman and Founder of World Wide Technology. “Every day, we provide services that transform the lives of our participants, their families, our communities and country. We are determined to build a leadership team that shares our passion and vision for serving Concordance participants.”
The search is being led by Dale Jones of Magna Vista Partners, former CEO of Diversified Search, and it is expected that a candidate will be selected by year’s end. Concordance’s founder, previous chairman and CEO, Danny Ludeman, is stepping down to focus on a serious health issue. “We deeply appreciate Danny’s bold vision and thank him for his service,” said Steward.
Steward also announced that Susan Stith, a Concordance Board member, will serve at Interim CEO. She previously worked at Cigna as Vice President, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and President of the Cigna Foundation.
“Susan’s wealth of experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as philanthropic and community outreach programs, will be invaluable to Concordance as we scale our services in St. Lous and expand nationally,” Steward said.
Michelle Smith, who served as the President and Chief Operating Officer at Concordance for nine years, and most recently as Acting CEO, announced that she has decided to pursue a new opportunity. She will depart the organization next month.
“Michelle has worked tirelessly to bring Concordance from a concept to the thriving organization it is today,” said Steward. “We wish her the very best.”
“This was a difficult decision, but one I’ve contemplated for some time,” said Smith. “I am an avid supporter of the Concordance team and its important mission.”
Concordance, which for the past eight years has operated a center in St. Louis to support men and women exiting Missouri prisons, began receiving participants in South Carolina this month. Concordance will formally open its new center in Greenville in November.