Genesis Block Foundation announced the appointment of an interim executive director to replace co-founder and former executive director Tracey Newkirk, who is stepping away from the organization’s day-to-day operations.
Aariene Hansley will serve as the organization's interim executive director, according to a news release issued Thursday.
Genesis Block Foundation is a Wilmington-based nonprofit that aims to advance entrepreneurship in underrepresented communities. It was founded by Girard and Tracey Newkirk with the mission of reducing barriers to entrepreneurship and improving success rates through comprehensive training and strategic market visibility initiatives, according to the group's website. Tracey Newkirk had served as the organization's executive director since 2020.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built at Genesis Block Foundation and the impact we’ve had in the community,” Tracey Newkirk wrote in a statement on Thursday. “At this point, I’m taking intentional time to focus on personal alignment and to return to my boutique consultancy, UNEXO, which I founded in 2017. Through that work, I’ll continue supporting leaders as a Certified Personal Resilience Practitioner.”
“I’m also excited to be joining Atmosphera as a Foundational Affiliate, where I’ll help introduce a clean, climate-curated beauty brand to the U.S. market,” she added. “This aligns deeply with my personal passion for helping women feel confident, beautiful and healthy through clean, intentional products and lifestyle choices.”
Although she’s stepping away from daily operations, Tracey Newkirk plans to remain connected to Genesis Block Labs through ongoing collaboration with her husband, Girard Newkirk, on “key initiatives,” she wrote.
“I’m confident in the leadership transition and excited for what’s ahead, for both the Foundation and for me,” Tracey Newkirk wrote.
Halsey, the organization’s interim executive director, has served as Genesis Block Foundation’s program manager since 2022. In the role, she’s worked to expand the organization’s impact across the community. That includes the development and execution of several programs and initiatives, including Block Academy, Block Eatz, Conversations to Contracts and Meet the Neighborz.
Hansley graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2021, with concentrations in nonprofit and public management.
“I am honored to step into this role and continue the work of advancing opportunities for our community,” Hansley said in the release. “Genesis Block Foundation has built a powerful platform for connection, growth, and innovation, and I am excited to help guide the organization into its next chapter.”
