The Board of Directors of Caracole is pleased to announce the selection of Jeniece D. Jones, MPA, JD, as its next CEO, following a national search conducted by Benefactor Group. A committed leader with deep experience in social justice organizations, Jones is perfectly positioned to champion Caracole’s mission of changing lives in the fight against HIV/AIDS through prevention, housing and care.

“We are delighted to welcome Jeniece Jones as CEO of Caracole,” said Mark Haggard, President of the Board. “She is an innovative, proven, values-driven leader whose depth of experience and vision will lead our organization into its next chapter positively impacting the lives of people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS in the Greater Cincinnati Region.”

Jones joins Caracole after serving as the Executive Director of the Public Justice Center (PJC) in Baltimore, MD. There, she led a team of over 30 legal professionals and oversaw the expansion of the use of legal impact tools to advance economic justice and race equity. Her advocacy focused on reforms promoting housing as a human right, health equity, workplace justice, and the right to legal counsel, as well as efforts to address the school-to-prison pipeline. 

Prior to joining the Public Justice Center, Jones served as Executive Director of Housing Opportunities Made Equal in Cincinnati, OH, and Community Shares of Greater Cincinnati. Jones is a graduate of West Virginia University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, and of Northern Kentucky University, where she earned a Master of Public Administration and Juris Doctor. Jones has served on the board of Cincinnati Affordable Housing Advocates and the Human Services Chamber of Hamilton County, and on the Steering Committee for Housing Our Future, the Greater Cincinnati Comprehensive Housing Plan. 

Jones brings over two decades of executive leadership experience in social-justice organizations, deep experience in the issues of affordable housing and homelessness prevention, and a commitment to Caracole’s values of unconditional inclusivity, relentless advocacy, practical innovation, absolute accountability, and radical optimism.

“I’m excited to join Caracole at this important moment,” said Jones. “My focus will be on building strong partnerships, advancing advocacy, and expanding prevention efforts to promote health equity. Together with the community, we’ll ensure that people living with or at risk for HIV receive the care, housing and support they need to thrive.”

As the organization’s chief executive, Jones will oversee Caracole’s operations and play a critical role in steering its strategic direction; she will be vital to fundraising, advocacy, community collaboration, program management, and stakeholder relations. Under Jones’ guidance, the organization will continue to grow and thrive as a relentless force for health equity in the Greater Cincinnati Area.

Jones succeeds Linda Seiter, who served in the role for over twenty years and retired from the position on October 4, 2024. Jones will assume the role on December 4, 2024.

Dear friends,

This is not an easy letter to write. After 20 incredible years as the CEO of Caracole, I have decided to retire.

This was a decision I did not make lightly. Over the past several years, I have periodically thought about retiring. What has kept me at Caracole is my excitement about the mission, my amazing coworkers and my partnership with all of you. Together, we have achieved significant milestones, overcome challenges, and made a lasting impact on the lives of people at risk for and living with HIV/AIDS. And while my commitment to the mission remains strong, I know that it is time to retire.

As I prepare to step down, I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition while the Board of Directors searches for a new CEO. With our talented staff and strong board, I am confident that we are well-equipped to find a new leader who will continue to guide Caracole.

The search for a new CEO will be led by experts in transition management, ensuring a thoughtful and thorough process. I am pleased to announce the establishment of a search committee composed of dedicated board members and community representatives, led by our thoughtful and capable Board President Mark Haggard, who will spearhead the effort to identify the next leader of Caracole. I feel certain that Caracole will attract great candidates for this position.

I am beyond grateful for the privilege of serving as CEO of Caracole and for the support and dedication of our remarkable staff. I extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your continued support of Caracole’s mission and I look forward to seeing all that Caracole will accomplish in the years to come.

This is NOT goodbye. Throughout my time at Caracole, I have been deeply committed to our mission and vision. That will never change.

All the best,

Linda Seiter
CEO
Caracole

The Cincinnati Black Pride Vizazi Torch Awards are an annual event that celebrates the rich legacy and promising future of the Black LGBTQIA+ families in Greater Cincinnati. This year’s event took place on Friday, June 16, 2023 with and honored Black Greater Cincinnatians committed to improving the quality of life for Black Queer and Trans folks.

This year, JeMarr Jackson, Caracole Health Educator, received an Ember award for his outstanding work and dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of individuals at risk for HIV, especially within the Black LGBTQIA+ community. He approaches his work with compassion, energy and innovation—consistently looking for creative ways to engage the community while working to decrease health disparities by meeting people where they are. 

In addition, Dan Davidson, Caracole Case Manager, also received a Rafiki award for his tireless advocacy and support of the LGBTQIA+ community through his role as TreeHouse Cincinnati’s Executive Director. Dan’s commitment to creating safe and inclusive spaces for all members of the community has made a significant impact in promoting equality and justice. His work at TreeHouse and Caracole is an inspiration to us all.

The Vizazi Torch Awards are an essential part of celebrating the achievements of Black Queer and Trans folks and promoting a more inclusive and equitable society for all. We are so proud of JeMarr, Dan and the other 2023 awardees for making a positive difference in our community.

Learn more about the awards and see current and past winners at cincinnatiblackpride.com/vizaziawards

On June 7, 2023, Cincinnati City Council recognized Caracole as a 2023 Pride Month honoree. Council Members Mark Jeffreys and Reggie Harris sponsored and delivered the resolution to honor Caracole as an LGBTQIA+ hero.

We’re truly grateful for the acknowledgment of the work we do to improve the health and well-being of our region. Since our founding in 1987, we’ve been committed to providing compassionate care and support to people affected by HIV/AIDS, regardless of regardless of income, circumstances, race, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Our staff work tirelessly every day to combat stigma, discrimination and injustice to ensure that everyone can live authentic and healthy lives.

Caracole will continue to be a relentless advocate for health equity, helping Cincinnati become a place where everyone can live their best lives possible.

Watch Council Members Jeffreys and Harris deliver the resolution: