Erin Bailey, front row in red, is pictured here with retired Sen. Byron Dorgan, third from right, Center for Native American Youth board member Allison Binney, far right, and Native youth. Photo from CNAY

A leadership transition is underway at the Center for Native American Youth, the groundbreaking non-profit that has helped raise the profile of issues facing American Indian and Alaska Native youth.

After five years as executive director, Erin Bailey will be leaving the post at the end of the year. But she isn't going too far -- she will move to the center's board of advisors and executive committee.

"Erin's energy, commitment, and passion for serving Native American children and working alongside underserved Native communities has been and will continue to be invaluable to CNAY," retired Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota), who founded the center, said today ."Her work over the last five years has made CNAY successful and set the organization on a path that guarantees its positive impact on the lives of Native American children for many years to come."

In addition to developing its own programs, CNAY has been a key partner in Generation Indigenous, the Native youth initiative launched by President Barack Obama last year. As part of the effort, over 1,000 youth attended the historic White House Tribal Youth Gathering in Washington, D.C., in July.

"I am proud of all CNAY has accomplished and incredibly grateful for the time I have had to work with our team, including the staff and board. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to connect with Native youth, their families and communities, many of whom have become members of my family," said Bailey, who is stepping down to spend more time with her immediate family in Minnesota.

CNAY will be seeking a new leader in consultation with its executive committee and the Aspen Institute, where the organization is based in D.C. A job search has already begun.

Related Stories:
Nike N7 Fund seeks applications to fund Native youth programs (08/12)
Indian youth face enormous economic and health obstacles (07/21)
White House: A historic gathering for Native American youth (07/20)
Vi Waln: Native youth gain experience on trip to Washington (7/17)
Youth from Umatilla Tribes inspired after White House gathering (07/14)
Opinion: Native Americans weren't the first environmentalists (07/14)
UNITY brings large group of Native youth to the nation's capital (7/13)
Student from Nooksack Tribe focused on traditions after tragedy (07/13)
Large contingent represents Navajo Nation at White House event (07/09)
White House Blog: Launching the Gen-I Tribal Leader Challenge (03/12)
Patty Talahongva: Native youth become Champions for Change (03/03)
Byron Dorgan: Working to improve lives of Native American youth (01/05)
President Obama makes Native youth a priority in administration (12/04)
Chaske Spencer: Changing the narrative for our Native youth (11/21)
Center for Native American Youth hosts panel discussion in DC (11/19)
Raina Thiele: Native youth participate in My Brother's Keeper (07/22)