Linda is a lovely person and when a group from the COJ committee went down to hear about the Children's Commission, we could tell that this was Ms. Lanier's passion and something she truly was meant to do and loved doing. 

Lanier says ongoing talks with City Council about changes are not a factor.

January 23, 2012

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Lanier

 

By Timothy J. Gibbons

Jacksonville Children’s Commission losing top executive Linda Lanier

Linda Lanier will step down from her post as executive director of the Jacksonville Children’s Commission in March to spend more time with her grandchildren, who are moving to the area.

Lanier, 62, who has been in the post for more than eight years, told the commission of her decision to retire over the weekend.

“It’s a great job,” she said Monday. “What a great high to leave on.”

Her decision to step down comes at a time of change for the commission, which Mayor Alvin Brown is looking to reorganize.

Last month, when Brown’s reorganization plan went before the City Council, the administration removed the portion related to the commission, acquiescing to some council members’ desire to discuss the issue more.

The changes would merge the Jacksonville Journey and Children’s Commission, and the head of the new organization would report directly to the mayor.

Monday evening, Brown released a statement saying he appreciates Lanier’s service to the Children’s Commission and looks forward to working with community leaders and civic advocates going forward.

Lanier, who is paid $122,844 a year, said the ongoing conversations about the changes didn’t play into her decision to leave.

“We’re in a really good spot right now,” she said about the commission. “The organization is so strong.”

The commission will begin looking for an interim director this month, said Chairman Ken Wilson, with an eye toward someone who can keep the organization going as Brown’s reorganization unfolds.

“Right now, with the possible flux in the children’s commission, we’d be looking for someone to maintain the ship, not to make any radical changes,” Wilson said.

Over her time with the organization, Lanier has focused on increasing the commission’s efficiency and sense of innovation. “These folks are not afraid to do anything,” she said about the staff.

Lanier’s approach was to “take the politics out of grant-making,” said former Mayor John Peyton, whose early reading initiatives were championed by Lanier.

Lanier helped transform the Children’s Commission, said Pam Paul, a long-time children’s rights advocate who helped create the organization. Not only did Lanier infuse the group with ideas from similar organizations she kept in touch with around the country, but she helped instill a higher level of accountability in its staff, Paul said.

“Her enthusiasm and dedication will be much missed,” Paul said.

Leading the group for almost a decade required Lanier to adapt to changing times and new needs, Wilson said.

“All the good work started by the founders was refined and improved,” he said.

Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-01-23/story/jacksonville-ch...