Tim Marks, president and chief executive officer of Metropolitan Ministries, will step down later this year, marking the nonprofit’s first leadership transition in nearly two decades.
Marks, who has led the organization since 2006, announced his decision to retire by the end of 2025. The nonprofit’s board of directors has been planning the transition since Marks shared his intentions, in 2022, allowing time for an orderly succession process.
The board of directors has already begun the search for his successor, with Marks playing an advisory role in ensuring a smooth transition. “Metro has only had two CEOs in its 50-year history,” Marks notes. “That continuity is part of what makes this place so special. I want the next leader to have the same opportunity to grow, and succeed, that I had.” He points out that the search will be local, not national, and that he has his eye on a candidate, or two.
During Marks’ tenure, Metropolitan Ministries has expanded its reach in the Tampa Bay area, providing more than 3.3 million meals and 150,000 nights of shelter last year. The organization also delivered over $2 million in hurricane relief and supported more than 34,000 families during the holiday season, through its #ShareHope initiative.
The board, led by Chair Jeff Marple, has engaged Katherine Young of Young Search Partners to lead the search for Marks’ successor. Marks has pledged to assist in the selection process and support the new leader through the transition.
More updates on the succession plan will be shared as the process progresses throughout the year.
A deeper look at Marks’ career and his thoughts on retirement will be published in TBBW’s February issue.