Dear Beloved ISAIAH Community and Partners,

I hope this message finds you in good spirits and health. Today, I am thrilled to share some incredibly exciting and significant news about the evolution of our organization.

ISAIAH has been my public community and political home for 21 years. In that time, I have played many roles and grown as a person and as a leader alongside all of you. I have had the opportunity to build new membership bases as an organizer, to lead powerful local and state campaigns, to learn how to forge long-term strategic partnerships and coalitions for multi-racial democracy and to lead an organization through multiple re-inventions to better meet our shared mission and purpose. And it has been one of my life’s greatest honors to have been able to serve as Executive Director of ISAIAH for 12 of those 21 years. 

The center of ISAIAH’s mission and the real “secret sauce” of our shared success is our relentless commitment to the development of human beings in our public work. And true to that spirit and mission, it is time for me to step aside as Executive Director of ISAIAH. It is time for me to have the opportunity to grow and to play a new role in the ISAIAH and Faith in Minnesota community and in the wider field of community organizing and people-centered politics. And because of our shared commitment to unleashing leadership and talent, we have a whole team ready to step into new roles in ISAIAH!

To ensure we have the time and breathing room for our Board, staff and hundreds of engaged leaders to imagine together this evolution in our leadership, we are creating a six month Interim Phase.

It is with immense joy that I announce that the ISAIAH Board of Directors has hired Minister JaNaé Bates and Alexa Horwart to be Interim Co-Directors of ISAIAH starting January 1, 2024. Their passion, commitment, knowledge and vision for ISAIAH make them the right people to guide us into this exciting new chapter.

I will continue in partnership with the ISAIAH and Faith In Minnesota community as Chair of Faith In Minnesota Action PAC and Senior Advisor to ISAIAH. 

Transition Timeline

For approximately six months, JaNaé and Alexa will serve as Interim Co-Directors allowing time for them, our staff, our leaders, and the organization to acclimate to this significant change. Following this period, a smooth transition into their roles as Co-Executive Directors is anticipated. I will be going on a sabbatical from January through April and, when that period has ended, I will return in a new role with Faith In Minnesota Action PAC. 

While this timeline may seem fast for some, rest assured that this process has been a thoughtful and extremely intentional endeavor. Over the past five years, I’ve been contemplating, researching, and co-creating this transition, ensuring it aligns with the growth, strategy and vision of ISAIAH, preparing us for the new challenges and opportunities ahead of us. 

Your Crucial Role

Your role in this transition is pivotal. Your insights, dedication, and commitment have been the driving force behind ISAIAH’s success. I invite you to continue this journey with us, as we adapt, grow, and collectively strive for a more just and equitable state and world.

I am immensely grateful for each of you who has played a part in building ISAIAH into the powerful force it is today. Here’s to a future filled with shared victories and continued impact. I am looking forward to a continued partnership with all of you in a new role, learning with you as we continue this journey together.

With gratitude and excitement for the future,

Doran Schrantz  
Executive Director  
ISAIAH