In December 2009, Passage Home’s CEO and co-founder, Jeanne Tedrow, was honored as a Woman Extraordinaire by the Triangle Business Leader Magazine. She was one of 16 recipients selected from a pool of more than 300 nominees.

“Jeanne was selected for this award not only because of her strong leadership of Passage Home but also for her personal dedication to improving herself as well as the lives of others,” said Passage Home board member Sheila Connor of Media Two Interactive.

Most of you are probably familiar with Jeanne’s impact on Passage Home: after co-founding the organization in 1991, she has overseen its growth to serve hundreds of working homeless families, previously incarcerated people, those in recovery and low resource neighborhoods.  The success of Harriet’s House (15-20 percent recidivism rate) earned the program an Outstanding Criminal Justice Program Award in 2009 from The National Criminal Justice Association.  Under Jeanne’s leadership, the number of local church partners as well as corporate sponsors has greatly expanded.

But some of you may not know about Jeanne’s additional roles in Wake County and her continued pursuit of personal excellence.  She has maintained an active real estate license with Broker in Charge Designation and Senior Housing Specialist Designation and completed many courses in community economic development and housing finance.  In addition to running Passage Home, Jeanne has served on many boards and committees across Wake County, including roles as Co-Chair of the Wake County Continuum of Health; Secretary, Board of Directors, N.C. Community Development Initiative, Inc.; Board of Directors, N.C. Housing Finance Agency Housing Partnership; founding member, N.C. Second Chance Alliance; and member of the City of Raleigh Affordable Housing Task Force.

“But that’s just her professional life,” continues Connor.  “I’ve known Jeanne and Jim Tedrow personally for many years and watched them pass their values and work ethic on to their children.  I am confident that the Tedrow kids will also make huge contributions to society as they grow and find their own ways to make the world a better place.”

Thank you Jeanne for being a Woman Extraordinaire in the eyes of your family, colleagues, peers and especially all the participants of Passage Home.  Congratulations!

Jeanne was spotted doing good all over town in 2009!