StepUp Wilmington announced in November the hiring of Teresa Wolf as the organization’s next CEO and executive director.

Wolf is the third director in the nonprofit’s 21-year history, succeeding Will Rikard, who had served as StepUp’s executive director since 2015. StepUp announced its search for a new leader this summer after Rikard told the board he intended to resign by the end of the year.

Wolf most recently served as executive director of the Bob Barker Company Foundation, where she demonstrated strong, strategic leadership and a commitment to impactful nonprofit work, according to a StepUp news release. Established in May 2009, the Bob Barker Company Foundation grants financial support to programs aimed at reducing recidivism.

To ensure a smooth leadership transition, Wolf and Rikard will work in close partnership over the coming months, according to the release.

In the release, Wolf highlighted her excitement about taking on the new role.

“I am honored to join StepUp Wilmington and to work alongside such a passionate team dedicated to empowering individuals through meaningful employment opportunities,” she stated. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation that Will and the board have established and expanding our reach to help more people to achieve their career and life aspirations.”

StepUp Wilmington board president Riley Stephenson stated in the release, “Teresa Wolf’s experience and energy are exactly what StepUp needs as we begin this next chapter. Her dedication to community-driven impact and her proven ability to lead and innovate align perfectly with our goals for the future. Teresa is ready to jump in, and we’re thrilled to have her at the helm.”

StepUp Wilmington serves about 400 individuals annually, helping youth and adults secure around 200 job placements each year. The organization offers a range of programs for all ages, including Jobs Week, CareerUp, NextUp, Future Leaders Restorative Opportunities Internships and a job placement division called Beyond Talent.

The Rev. Don Skinner founded StepUp as Phoenix Employment Ministry in 2003.

Wolf answered questions recently about her career and her interest in StepUp for WilmingtonBiz Magazine.
 

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO APPLY FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO JOB WITH STEPUP WILMINGTON?

“I have been a fan of StepUp Wilmington for many years. In my former role as executive director of the Bob Barker Foundation, I conducted a site visit and sat in on their Jobs Week class. I was impressed by their program and leadership and through the years, we have remained in touch.”
 

WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S IMPORTANT FOR AGENCIES LIKE STEPUP TO EXIST FOR JOB PLACEMENTS?

“StepUp not only helps people to get a job, but they provide guidance and training for them to be a great employee. The hallmark program focuses on helping people get a job.

Next, CareerUp, another one of our programs, helps people get a better job and grow in their career.

From programs for young people to helping teens get jobs, StepUp helps people find their path forward in life that will sustain them and their family.

Finally, from the employer perspective, StepUp builds good employees, and our Beyond Talent program places them in local jobs.

Allowing people the dignity of work and being self-sufficient not only helps the individual, but their family and the community benefits.”
 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES STEPUP IS FACING IN THE CURRENT ECONOMY?

“Like every nonprofit, securing funding is always challenging.

This coming year StepUp has plans to grow so we not only need to sustain our current programs, but we need to raise funding to make our program available to other communities, as well. I encourage people to support StepUp with their contributions and ask that employers explore using our Beyond Talent job placement service, as well.”
 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BRIGHT SPOTS IN THE ECONOMY THAT COULD HELP STEPUP’S EFFORTS?

The Wilmington area “is a growing region with what seems to be new companies moving to the area every month. More jobs that pay a living wage are vital for our community’s and StepUp’s success.”
 

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR STEPUP IN 2025?

“In 2025, we will first be crafting our new strategic plan, and I expect we will build in training for our staff and board as well as grow into new areas for StepUp.”
 

WHAT IN YOUR BACKGROUND HAS HELPED PREPARE YOU TO LEAD STEPUP?

“I’ve worked in various types of nonprofits in my career that have had management and fundraising responsibilities. However, my favorite thing is to build a cohesive, strong team that works together for an important mission. And the mission of StepUp resonates with me because of several of my past positions.  From the YWCA in Silicon Valley to TROSA in Durham as well as the Bob Barker Foundation, I have seen the power and dignity of work firsthand. There is something redemptive about being able to support yourself and your family and it is a beautiful thing to witness.”
 

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

“I grew up in rural North Carolina so my first job, at 11 years old, was working in tobacco. My first ‘official’ job was working the soda fountain in a drug store in New Bern.”