The Village of Promise (VoP), a North Alabama-based nonprofit dedicated to eradicating generational poverty through education and community empowerment, proudly announces the appointment of Jaymes Mooney as its new chief executive officer, effective May 1, 2025.
Mooney, a respected community leader and senior pastor of the historic Saint Bartley Church in Huntsville, brings to the role a deep-rooted commitment to the Northwoods/Love Subdivision neighborhood — a community he has served tirelessly through faith, education and outreach. He will continue in his role as senior pastor, with additional support that enables him to focus on leading the Village of Promise as CEO. His dual roles reflect a seamless extension of his calling to serve the community and deepen impact. Mooney’s visionary leadership, extensive nonprofit experience and longstanding service on the VoP Board of Directors uniquely position him to guide Village of Promise into its next chapter.
“Jaymes is a seasoned leader with a true heart and passion for the mission of Village of Promise and for the families that we serve,” said Jane Daniel, chair of the Board of Directors. “He is known as a visionary and creative thinker, a relationship builder and a master problem solver. He brings a unique ability to lead decisively but always with kindness, empathy and humility. In short, he embodies the values of the Village of Promise, and we’re thrilled to welcome him as our CEO.”
Mooney succeeds Dana Gillis, who has served as CEO since 2022 and will retire on April 30, 2025. Under Gillis’ leadership, VoP has experienced significant growth, stronger internal systems and expanded partnerships city-wide.
Reflecting on the transition, Dana Gillis shared, “Leading Village of Promise has been the honor of my career. Jaymes’ deep understanding of our mission and his tireless commitment to Huntsville families make him the ideal person to continue our momentum. I look forward to supporting his vision as a volunteer and advocate.”
As a founding force behind The Bartley Bridge, a nonprofit focused on education, exposure and entrepreneurship, and as a mentor in local schools, Mooney’s work has always intersected with the mission of VoP. His appointment signals a bold step forward in advancing educational outcomes and multi-generational impact across the region.
“I am deeply honored and excited to serve the Village of Promise in a more impactful capacity,” said Jaymes Mooney. “Since 2011, the Village has made remarkable strides in advancing families out of generational poverty. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff to build on this legacy and continue our important mission. The families of the Village have entrusted us to walk alongside them in their journeys towards growth and flourishing. We are committed to stewarding that trust with compassion, excellence and integrity.”
Village of Promise invites the community to join in welcoming Jaymes Mooney and thanking Dana Gillis for his outstanding service.
About Village of Promise:
Village of Promise (VoP) is a Huntsville-based nonprofit working to eradicate generational poverty through a multi-generational continuum of services that empower families from cradle to career. Learn more at www.villageofpromise.org.
https://www.villageofpromise.org/