Joe Kriesberg

Joe Kriesberg, the long-time leader of the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations, plans to leave his role at the end of the year to become CEO of MassINC, a Boston-based think tank that plays a prominent role in state political life.

Kriesberg had joined the community development membership organization in 1993 and became president and CEO in 2002.

“As you can imagine, I did not make this decision lightly,” Kriesberg said in an e-mailed statement. “I have absolutely loved my time at MACDC and I remain a total believer in the power of community development to change lives, change communities, and change the world.”

Kriesberg in the statement noted some of MACDC’s accomplishments during his tenure, including legislative campaigns to support economic opportunity and equity and the CDC sector, such as the Community Investment Tax Credit. He also pointed to the creation of several institutions, including the Mass. Growth Capital Corp., the National Alliance for Community Economic Development Associations, the Coalition for an Equitable Economy and the Mel King Institute for Community Building.

“I came to MACDC and stayed here because I wanted to have a positive impact and I’m confident that these results have indeed improved the lives of thousands of people across the Commonwealth,” Kriesberg said. “At the same time, what often sustained me in doing this work are the wonderful colleagues from across the state and the country with whom I have had the privilege to work.”

In a message included with Kriesberg’s statement, Angie Liou, MACDC’s board chair, expressed gratitude for Kriesberg’s leadership and said the board would begin searching for a new president. Liou said the board is working with Kriesberg and MACDC’s staff on an interim leadership plan “to ensure that MACDC continues to offer high quality programs and services to our members while pursuing our policy agenda with the Legislature and the new Governor.”

Kriesberg will replace Lauren Louison Grogan, who retired from MassINC earlier this year. Kriesberg said he was excited for the opportunity to lead an organization that provides nonpartisan research, reporting, analysis and civic engagement.

“Given the state of the world today, I cannot think of a more important task than fostering civic vitality and inclusive economic opportunity,” he said.