JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The executive director of the Justice Coalition, Ann Dugger, has resigned, News4Jax learned Thursday night.
Dugger has worked with the Jacksonville nonprofit organization for over two decades, according to the Justice Coalition's June newsletter.
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Dugger sent a statement about her departure Friday morning:
After much prayer, I tendered my resignation to the Justice Coalition. Changes were made that I could not agree with, therefore I made the decision to leave the organization that has been a part of my life for the past 22 years. But for me personally, I saw that it was time to step aside. I am so grateful to have been able to help hundreds of crime victims, survivors, and families of missing loved ones throughout the years, and my heart will continue to be tied to the mission that Ted Hires founded all those years ago. It was an honor to help Ted establish this much needed organization and I am so proud of the accomplishments and victories we have achieved on behalf of innocent victims of violent crime."
When Ted Hires started the Justice Coalition, which works with local victims of violent crimes, in the 1990s, Dugger was one of the first persons he recruited for his team since she had a background in marketing and broadcast and a compassion for people who are hurting, the newsletter article said.
Dugger has served various roles throughout her years with the organization, including financial support coordinator and victim services practitioner. She was named executive director in 2003.
She has successfully lobbied for new and tougher laws regarding criminals and to benefit victims, the newsletter said.
"We will miss her greatly and wish her much happiness as she embarks on this next phase of her life. Thanks, Ann," Shirley Shaw wrote in the newsletter article.