As we approach 2025, several board members are completing their board terms with JRE. We're highlighting these board members through our outgoing board reflections series! Today, we're celebrating Matt Leatherman. His smarts, passion for child advocacy and leadership have helped us make a real, positive impact for Wake County children. Read some of his thoughts below!

We asked Matt about what he's most proud of from his time with JRE. Matt shared:

JRE’s goal is to do our work in perpetuity, and we will. Today it is a 25-year institution; one day it will be a 100-year institution. Knowing that my involvement helped make this possible for the children and families of Wake County is tremendously fulfilling. In the roles I have had on this board, and as part of a larger team, I have done something that matters.

The manner in which this matters is equally rewarding. We have done work together that is hard – because it is hard, because others would or could not, because it is that necessary. During my time on the board, JRE committed ourselves to honesty and to action about the way that race affects child and family health in Wake County.

When asked about his favorite accomplishments and moments that have inspired him during his years with JRE, Matt shared:

I remember the first of many decisions that culminated in this mission-level commitment. Public health scholars presented two maps to the board. One showed areas in Wake County where the most people had health-related needs of any type. It essentially just showed population density: there is more need generally where there are more people. Another version of the map showed where people’s health needs are greatest. It was immediately, visually apparent that this map mirrored where our communities of color live in Wake County.

Many good nonprofits already go to where public health need is generally present and offer important services. Far too few go to where the need is hardest, deepest, most entrenched and systemic. JRE could, and we did. I have seen this organization evolve from one focused on making grants in the general domain of child and family health to one striving to put all of our assets – our grants, our public voice, and our investment portfolio – to work toward building a resilient, equity-centered ecosystem that is better equipped to improve the social emotional health of children.

The fulfillment for me is in the combination of what we did and why we did it. JRE has provided me with a chance to live my values unlike any other I’ve ever had. We do hard work well together at JRE.

My time as a director is ending, but I will draw meaning and inspiration from this work always.

Please join us in thanking Matt for his hard work, dedication and service to all Wake County children and families!