North-side community development group searching for new CEO

The CEO of the Mapleton Fall Creek Development Corp. plans to exit the organization later this fall after helping shepherd a $60 million project.

Leigh Riley Evans has been chief executive office of the near-northside community development group since 2011. She plans to leave the organization to take a leadership role with another community development group but has not yet revealed the specific post.

MFCDC announced her impending departure on Tuesday. Its board of directors has appointed a search committee to recruit a new CEO.

Evans has agreed to remain in her current role in a part-time capacity through the end of October. She also will continue to manage the Central@29 project—a mixed-income development on central Avenue between 28^th and 31st streets—until the end of November.

The first phase of the $60 million project—consisting of a single apartment building with 48 units—is expected to open next year. The overall project is expected to include more apartments, as well as single-family homes, a community center, food services and local businesses.

Evans’ continued involvement through November will allow the board and staff to focus on daily operations and the search for a new leader, according to the group.

“Having led the Mapleton Fall Creek Development Corporation during a time of great progress, Leigh wanted to ensure a smooth leadership transition so the momentum would continue” said Board Chair Paula Means in a media release. “We appreciate that, even as she makes this career move, she is thinking about the well-being of the community she loves.”