Roseville, CA – PRIDE Industries, one of the largest nonprofit employers of people with disabilities in the United States, announced on Thursday that Jeff Dern is no longer president and CEO. Board chair Bob Olsen has been appointed as interim chief executive, effective immediately. This transition in executive leadership comes at a critical time for the organization, as PRIDE Industries navigates evolving challenges in the nonprofit and workforce development sectors.

Background: A Legacy of Social Impact and Inclusion

Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Roseville, California, PRIDE Industries is widely recognized for its commitment to providing meaningful employment for people with disabilities, as well as other barriers to employment such as veterans, former foster youth, and trafficking survivors. With over 50 years of service, the organization partners with federal, state, and local governments, as well as Fortune 500 companies, to offer facility services, staffing solutions, and supply chain management while prioritizing workforce inclusion.

According to PRIDE Industries’ most recent annual report, more than 5,500 individuals with disabilities have found gainful employment through its programs. The nonprofit’s revenue exceeded $375 million in the last fiscal year, reflecting both its social mission and robust contract portfolio with government and private sector clients across the country.

Jeff Dern’s Tenure and Organizational Milestones

Jeff Dern began his tenure with PRIDE Industries in 2008, rising through leadership ranks before taking over as president and CEO in 2018. Under Dern’s guidance, the organization has expanded its scope, initiated new partnerships, and navigated the complex operational landscape brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dern was credited with modernizing internal systems and expanding the organization’s reach into new industries and federal contracts. However, PRIDE Industries has recently faced several notable challenges, including the loss of a longstanding contract with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to provide services at the Vacaville prison—a setback acknowledged publicly in late 2024.

The expiration of this lucrative contract, which had been the subject of competitive extensions and disputes since 2022, forced the organization to refocus on diversification and workforce resiliency strategies. While the loss impacted revenue and employment opportunities for some staff, PRIDE Industries has sought to bolster its relationships with alternative corporate and government partners to maintain its mission-driven growth.

The Path Forward: Interim Leadership with Bob Olsen

Bob Olsen, who has served on PRIDE’s board for over a decade—most recently as board chair—brings extensive institutional knowledge and executive experience to his interim chief executive role. Olsen’s background in nonprofit governance and his long-standing commitment to the company’s mission are seen as stabilizing factors during a time of transition.

In the interim period, Olsen will work closely with the board of directors to sustain momentum on ongoing initiatives while launching the search for a permanent replacement. According to the board, the leadership change is intended to position PRIDE Industries to capitalize on emerging opportunities in workforce development, community partnerships, and contract services. No details regarding a permanent CEO search timeline have been officially disclosed, though executive recruitment is expected to be a priority in the coming months.

Responding to Market Forces and Community Needs

PRIDE Industries remains a key player in the growing movement towards disability inclusion in the workforce—a trend that has gained further traction in both public policy and corporate social responsibility circles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that in 2024, the employment-population ratio for persons with a disability was 21.3 percent, compared to 65.4 percent for those without a disability, highlighting the ongoing employment gap and the vital role of organizations like PRIDE.

Beyond its direct service impact, PRIDE Industries has earned accolades for exemplary corporate citizenship, including multiple recognitions by the Sacramento Business Journal for philanthropy and community partnership. In 2024 and 2025, the organization was shortlisted for the publication’s Corporate Citizenship Awards, a testament to its ongoing influence in the Sacramento region and beyond.

Sector Outlook: Nonprofit Leadership and Workforce Development

The nonprofit sector as a whole is under increased pressure to demonstrate operational agility, collaborative capacity, and measurable impact. PRIDE Industries’ leadership change is emblematic of a broader trend of executive transitions across mission-driven organizations, often triggered by shifting funding landscapes, policy changes, and evolving community needs. Nationally, nonprofit executive turnover rose by 8% in 2023 according to BoardSource, indicating a high level of sector volatility amid economic and societal changes.

Looking ahead, sector experts emphasize the importance of leadership continuity, strategic partnerships, and embracing technological innovation as essential components for sustainable growth in organizations like PRIDE Industries.

Community Reaction and Next Steps

Local business leaders and nonprofit sector advocates have noted Dern’s contributions and expressed cautious optimism about PRIDE’s next chapter. “Jeff Dern helped PRIDE Industries weather some of the most challenging years in recent memory,” said a spokesperson for the Sacramento Corporate Citizenship Coalition. “The appointment of Bob Olsen as interim chief offers stability and clear direction as the organization pursues its vital mission.”

PRIDE Industries is expected to engage a cross-section of stakeholders—including employees, corporate clients, and community members—in its leadership transition process. The organization has reiterated its ongoing commitment to its core mission: creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities and breaking down barriers to workplace inclusion.

More information about PRIDE Industries’ leadership search and future developments is anticipated throughout 2025.