After 33 years of guiding, cajoling and even prodding community quality-of-life efforts, Jean Irvin is ready to hand over the megaphone.
Forsyth Futures, the community collaborative she has led for five years, said yesterday that Irvin, 61, is stepping down as executive director on Oct. 1 as part of retiring Dec. 31.
Doris Paez, who joined the group last year as associate director, will take over Oct. 1.
The group's mission is to track data and support initiatives that address residents' economic self-sufficiency, engagement in their community, educational success, mental and physical health, and safety.
It also represents an extension of Irvin's tireless efforts for people in need, as epitomized by her efforts with the Forsyth Council on Children and Families -- the agency that preceded Forsyth Futures.
"At this point in my life, it seems time to move into a new phase with my advocacy and let others with a new lens move the work forward," Irvin said.
Paez has been involved primarily with data research, including helping to compile the annual Making Progress report that offers measuring sticks for community performance.
Paez said her goal with the agency will be "continuing to build its capacity in an effort to increase the availability of timely reports and briefs about issues of importance to Forsyth County."
Irvin said that observing Paez's "skills, energy and passion" convinced her that "under her leadership, our work will move creatively to benefit all of our community's residents."
Irvin's efforts demonstrate how a small-staff, large-voice perspective can translate into success.
Forsyth Futures' board of directors, while a little unwieldy at 29 members, represents an envious selection of movers and shakers from the business, education, nonprofit and political sectors.
That didn't happen overnight, but required years of networking and getting those officials to see the same need for community accountability and common vision, said Scott Wierman, the chairman of the agency's board and the president of The Winston-Salem Foundation.
"Jean has done such a wonderful job shepherding Forsyth Future and the council before that," Wierman said. "Her legacy as a bridge builder is a well known and respected as any in our community."
Joe Raymond, the director of the county's Social Services department and also an agency board member, said he has confidence that Paez will be as tireless an advocate as Irvin.
"Doris recognizes, as Jean has, that there is no one group that can tackle any of the targeted areas alone," Raymond said.
Irvin said that besides chasing after her grandchildren, she will continue to advocate on behalf of the arts' role in forging community connections, and encourage the recognition that good mental health is as important as physical health.
"I'll still make my feelings known and hope to continue to be a part of equation for success in our community," Irvin said.
rcraver@wsjournal.com
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