Marilyn Mason-Plunkett, the CEO of Hopelink, a key nonprofit organization serving homeless and low-income children, families and individuals in North and East King County, has announced her resignation due to health reasons, effective Oct. 31.

Mason-Plunkett served as Hopelink CEO since 2006.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Marilyn for her outstanding leadership and vision, her focus on Hopelink’s long-term strategic direction, and for elevating Hopelink’s operational effectiveness. We thank her for her outstanding service to Hopelink clients, staff and partners during the past seven years,” said board chairman José Piñero.

“Our thoughts are with Marilyn as she takes time to focus on health issues that may require an extended period of recovery. uWe are saddened by her departure from Hopelink but support her decision and wish to express our deep appreciation for her dedication, compassion and many contributions to the underserved in King County.”

Last week, Mason-Plunkett spoke at the Hopelink annual “Reaching Out” luncheon, sharing her excitement for Hopelink’s current success in serving the community and her confidence in its future direction. This year’s luncheon raised more funds than any previous Hopelink event.

To ensure a smooth transition, the board of directors has designated Hopelink President/COO Lauren Thomas as Hopelink’s interim CEO while a search is conducted to find a permanent replacement for Mason-Plunkett.

Thomas has a long and successful history of leadership in local nonprofits and has guided daily operations at Hopelink since 2010.

Piñero expressed the board’s confidence in the ongoing work of Hopelink, given the quality of its experienced professional staff and strong management.

“Our organization is extremely strong and fulfills the most critical of missions. Hopelink provides low-income children, families and individuals with the resources, skills and tools they need to attain their highest level of self-sufficiency,” said Piñero.

“With Lauren’s leadership as we embark on our search for a new CEO, I’m confident that Hopelink will continue to fulfill its important mission of providing critical support and services to homeless and low-income residents in North and East King County,” he said.

For more information on Hopelink and its services, call (425) 869-6000.