Nationally known nonprofit CEO resigns to focus on business

SARASOTA — The CEO of the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson's, Robyn Faucy-Washington, has resigned from her position at the nonprofit. 

The Sarasota-based organization, in an email announcement, says Faucy-Washington resigned to follow an opportunity to advance her professional career.

"It is now time for me to pursue a dream I have had for nearly 20 years to be an entrepreneur," says Faucy-Washington in the email announcement. "As CEO and co-owner of Results 1st, I will have the opportunity to work with many different organizations to guide them to achieve aggressive and transformative results." 

Faucy-Washington has been the CEO of Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s for the past five years. 

"While we are incredibly sad to see her leave Neuro Challenge, we are excited to see her continue to grow as a leader in our community," says Ronald Beck, chairman of the board of Neuro Challenge Foundation, in the email announcement. "Thankfully, her dedication to Neuro Challenge is evidenced by the fact that she will remain with Neuro Challenge through our Parkinson’s EXPO in June and will ensure that an effective transition of leadership takes place. We are grateful for Robyn’s visionary leadership that has helped to strengthen and expand our mission to improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers." 

The statement says during Faucy-Washington's tenure, Neuro Challenge more than doubled the number of people served to nearly 3,000 annually. Its annual income increased from $440,000 to more than $1 million. Its cash reserves tripled to more than $1 million, the announcement states. 

The Parkinson's Expo, the largest Parkinson's-specific event in the country, was the brainchild of Faucy-Washington. Since its start in 2018, it has gained national recognition with more than 1,400 participants. She also led the creation of the Neuro Challenge Network, which provides educational and training products for health care professionals with critical knowledge about Parkinson's.  

"While none of this would have been possible without the tremendous generosity of our donors and the hard work of our staff and volunteers, we thank Robyn for all that’s been accomplished under her leadership," Beck says. 

Neuro Challenge has hired Sarasota-based talent management company MBJ Group to conduct a search for a new CEO. MBJ Group has recruited key personnel for Neuro Challenge over the years, including Faucy-Washington. 

"I am eternally grateful that I had the opportunity to lead this organization and to know so many people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers who are striving each day to live a life of wellness and joy," says Faucy-Washington. "I vow to remain an advocate for the Parkinson’s community long after my work at Neuro Challenge is completed."