ECMC Group announced today that Dave Hawn, president and CEO, will leave the organization to assume a new role as CEO of Urban Ventures, effective Sept. 1. Urban Ventures is a faith-based nonprofit organization that aims to build a city without urban poverty in South Minneapolis. Hawn has served as president and CEO of ECMC Group since Feb. 1, 2014, and will continue to serve the organization in an advisory capacity through at least the end of 2016.

"On behalf of the entire ECMC Group Board of Directors, I extend our gratitude to Dave for his service, leadership and friendship over the years," said John DePodesta, ECMC Group chairman. "Dave's strategic vision for ECMC Group and our affiliated entities, combined with his genuine concern for employees and for the constituencies we serve through our many initiatives, have enhanced the culture of ECMC Group and made it a better organization. Consistent with his sense of stewardship, Dave's departure occurs after the recent announcements that the major operating units of ECMC Group will be led by Jan Hines and Peter Taylor, supported by a strong leadership team."

"My eight years at ECMC Group truly have been among the best of my life," said Hawn. "The CEO role at Urban Ventures offers me an opportunity to answer my calling and to do my life's work making a difference in a mission about which I am passionate. I am honored to have worked with ECMC Group's outstanding board of directors, leadership team and employees, and I know I am leaving the organization in great hands."

As previously announced, the board of directors of ECMC Group affiliate Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) appointed Jan Hines president and chief executive officer of ECMC effective Aug. 1 to oversee the management and coordination of all Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) and guaranty agency program activities for ECMC. Also, the board of directors of Zenith Education Group, an affiliate of ECMC Group, announced the appointment of Peter J. Taylor as president and chief executive officer of Zenith effective Aug. 1, while ECMC Group announced a $250 million contribution to its foundation to help support Zenith initiatives.

"The board is confident that Jan's and Peter's unique experience and proven leadership abilities position our organization for sustained success," said DePodesta.