The chief executive officer of a local nonprofit that says it is dedicated to investing millions annually in Duval County’s youth programs and services was fired on Wednesday.
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Here’s the latest– The chief executive officer of a local nonprofit that says it is dedicated to investing millions annually in Duval County’s youth programs and services was fired on Wednesday.faced public critique for her role in a private consulting company that touted its grant writing services as well as subject matter expertise about education, schools, and child abuse. Well-known local activist reassigned from position at Douglas Anderson following controversial social media posts The Kids Hope Alliance board referred questions about Grass’s employment status to Mayor Donna Deegan’s office. A statement from Deegan’s office said the board would work with the city’s Employee Services Department to select a permanent leader for the alliance. “I’m truly grateful for Dr. Grass’s many years of service to Jacksonville and her commitment to children and families. Our administration will continue supporting the city’s vital nonprofit partners and working with the KHA board to ensure Jacksonville remains a community where our young people and families can thrive,” Deegan’s statement read, in part. Earlier this fall, an Office of Inspector General’s report also found that Kids Hope Alliance did not press all of the nonprofits it funds for insurance and liability information.“Over the past five years, we’ve grown more than we ever have, serving more kids than we ever have,” Grass toldin February. “I think it really just shows that Jacksonville, the mayor, City Council, all elected officials truly do prioritize kids and see the importance of it — and an economic driver as well.” Less than three months after that conversation, Grass and her husband, Gabe, created Verdant Synergies. According to the Florida Division of Corporations records, Verdant was created on May 3.Though Verdant stated on its website that it does not conduct business with organizations that had business with the city of Jacksonville, Gabe Grass’ biography with the Grant Professionals Association listed “K-12 Education” “Municipal/Local Grants” “Nonprofit Organizations” and “Early Childhood Education” as directory categories where he specializes.Since the alliance’s creation, Grass was the fourth person to serve as CEO in either a full-time or interim capacity, after Mike Weinstein, Joe Peppers and Donald Horner III. Grass was named the Kids Hope Alliance CEO in 2023. She previously served as the organization’s chief programs officer before accepting the top position. In the 2025-26 fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, the Jacksonville City Council approved $52.4 million to disburse to child services organizations.
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