James Mejia, on a leave of absence since December, when he announced his intent to run for mayor, has formally resigned as head of the Denver Preschool Program.
“I put into place a transition team prior to the campaign, and I think things have worked well with them,” Mejia said. “It’s in the DPP’s best interest to continue how they’re doing.”
Mejia had been chief executive officer of the Denver Preschool Program, a taxpayer-approved initiative to improve access to and funding of preschool in Denver, since its start in 2007.
Since then, the program has grown to serve more than 15,000 children from serving 66 in its first year.
“James left the program in perfect shape with Eileen Piper, and she has grown well,” said the program’s board chair, John Plotkin. “His resignation was voluntary. We talked about it, and I think through the campaign he found there were other things he wanted to do. We wish him the best.”
Mejia said that along with his resignation, he has encouraged the board of directors to appoint Piper, the interim CEO, “full-fledged CEO.”
Piper will continue as interim CEO while the board comes to a decision.
Piper previously worked with the preschool program as director of policy and program administration.
When Mejia took leave to run his mayoral campaign, a return date was not set.
“I did not request to come back,” Mejia said. “I’m ready to move on. Ready for new challenges.”
Mejia, who lost in the mayoral primary, said he is now considering a few job offers in the private sector.
