Teronda Ellis

After a seven-month national search, the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corp. has named Teronda Ellis to as its next CEO.

Ellis has been the nonprofit developer’s real estate director since 2018 and has been on its staff since 2007, when she joined as a project manager. She began her real estate career in 2001 as a real estate agent and developer after a stint as a senior project manager for IBM.

“We’re thrilled to offer this top leadership position to Teronda,” JPNDC Board Co-Chairs John Fitzgerald and Bashier Kayou said in a statement. “The experience, skills, passion, and community spirit that Teronda brings will help JPNDC take on the unique challenges we face today. Together, we’ll turn them into opportunities for socioeconomically disadvantaged Boston residents to build income, equity, and a better future for their families.”

Ellis will succeed outgoing Executive Director Richard Thal, who has led JPNDC since 1994 and helped transform the organization into one of the largest community development corporations in New England.

“I will always cherish the memories of all the wonderful people in the organization, the community I have gotten to know over the years, and all we have accomplished together,” Thal said in a statement. “Having worked with Teronda for almost 14 years, I’m delighted that she will be leading JPNDC into its next phase and confident that our best days lie ahead.”

Ellis begins her new role on Oct. 13.

“I’m looking forward to expanding on JPNDC’s work,” Ellis said in a statement. “My mother was a carpenter and one of the first women of color to work on the project to create the new Orange Line and the Southwest Corridor Park. I am happy to continue her legacy by building opportunities like those that she made sure opened pathways for me. I’m proud that JPNDC is here to help both long-time residents and immigrants have choices for their families to achieve economic security.”