I am writing with an abundance of joy and hope for the future to share that I have decided that later this year I will be stepping down from the Executive Director responsibilities of FADP after 15 years leading this exceptional organization.
FADP has grown substantially to become a powerhouse organization with the increased capacity needed to move abolition dramatically forward in our state. This is the realization of our long-held dream to end the death penalty in Florida collectively.
With this organizational growth comes increased administrative functions and tasks. I have decided to step back in the months ahead in order to devote my time and energy to the work that I enjoy the most: reaching people, teaching people, and connecting people to end the use of executions. I wholeheartedly welcome a new Executive Director and will assist with the transition and continue as an advisor and speaker.
The tremendous progress we have made together, particularly over the last year, has brought us to a pivotal opportunity to take our campaign to end the death penalty to the next level. From the beginning, I have known that this would be a true team effort and relay race. The leadership baton was passed to me 15 years ago and now I prepare to pass it on to someone best suited to lead us all across the finish line. It is time for me to pass the leadership baton to the next generation – a generation that refuses to accept unnecessary killing in their name, a generation that has thrust racial justice issues onto the national agenda.
FADP’s next Executive Director will face many challenges. Ending a punishment as entrenched as the death penalty will not be easy. They will need your full support to get abolition over the finish line. They will certainly have mine.
The new Executive Director will build on the work we’ve done together, which includes passing legislation requiring juries to be unanimous when sentencing someone to death. It includes countless small and large events all across the state. And it includes lifting up the voices of those who the death penalty has directly imapcted.
These are some of our accomplishments that I am most proud of, but they are not mine. I say this all the time: the right people with the right tools can accomplish anything. The people who do this work are inspiring. That includes all of you. You have sustained me through highs and lows. I can’t thank you enough.
In the coming days, you will hear from Sheila Meehan, FADP’s incoming board chair, as we launch the search for our next Executive Director. My transition will not take place until that position is filled. In the meantime, please let us know if you have someone in mind for the role. We’ll need your help with this crucial task, as we have in all of our work!
Onward together,
Mark