Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The United Way of Greater Knoxville Monday announced that its board of directors has accepted CEO Matt Ryerson’s resignation.

Ryerson was hired in December 2019 and served as CEO of the UWGK for five years.

“Matt served as a bridge, following Ben Landers’ 26 years of leadership in the CEO position, to where we are today. And now, we’re ready to move forward with the next chapter of this great organization with intention, innovation and dedication,” UWGK Board Chair Clarence Vaughn III said.

The organization says UWGK Chief Impact Officer Chrystal Armstrong Brown will serve as interim CEO as of November 11.

“Chrystal is a proven leader with a passion for community, vision for transformational innovation and commitment to measurable and meaningful impact,” Vaughn said. “The board is thrilled to have her step into the Interim CEO position to provide stability and servant leadership throughout this transition.”

Armstong Brown has served as Chief Impact Officer since April 2023. Previously, she served as vice president of program development for Emerald Youth Foundation for nearly five years, and before that, she was the director of education for United Way of Southwest Virginia.

The UWGK board of directors is working on next steps to identify and appoint the organization’s next CEO.