John Porter, who has served as president and CEO of nonprofit ACT for Alexandria for eight years, will step down from his role at the end of the year.

ACT’s Board of Directors made the announcement Thursday that Porter had decided to step down from the nonprofit effective Dec. 31, 2017. Before joining ACT, he spent his career at Alexandria City Public Schools, where he served as principal of T.C. Williams High School.

Porter said he accomplished the goals he set out to when he joined ACT in 2009.

“I’m pleased that we have accomplished the goals we set out when I accepted this position eight years ago. With the organization now on such strong footing, I believe the time is right to pass the torch to new leadership,” Porter said in a news release. “I remain totally committed to ACT’s mission and work in the community, and look forward to continuing to be engaged in a new capacity.” 

ACT Board Chair Lauren Stack praised Porter’s contributions to the nonprofit over the years.

“Without John Porter’s leadership, ACT would not be such an integral part of the Alexandria community,” Stack said in the release. “He has been deeply involved withACT since our founding, starting when ACT was just an idea around a conference table; then as a member of our first board; followed by eight years as our President and CEO. Thanks to the accomplishments achieved during his tenure, ACT is an important resource here in the City of Alexandria, helping to make our city an even kinder place to live, learn, work and play.”

ACT came into existence in 2004. Part of its mission is supporting other local nonprofits and creating initiatives to support the community.