LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Muhammad Ali Center in downtown Louisville is searching for a new CEO.

A national search started Thursday. President and CEO Marilyn Jackson announced her departure from the Center this week after two years in the role. 

Jackson said it was an honor to be part of Ali's legacy and is proud of what they've accomplished, including launching a strategic plan in 2022.

"So we're now about a year and a half into it, and under that strategic plan, we have grown our philanthropy, grown support for the Center," Jackson said Friday. "We went from having one corporate sponsor to now we have over 30 corporate sponsors. We launched a new website, which is an amazing repository of information about Muhammad Ali."

She's also credited with the creation of new educational programs and expanded partnerships both locally and globally during her time at the Center.

Marilyn Jackson

Marilyn Jackson, president and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. Nov. 3, 2023. (WDRB Photo)

"I am deeply grateful for the privilege of serving as the president and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. Ali, a global icon, dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, inspiring positive change worldwide. It has been an immense honor to be part of this legacy," Jackson said in a news release Thursday. "Louisville is fortunate to have the Center, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who supported us since the Center's founding in 2005. I have full confidence and trust this great transition will continue the progress we've made together."

Jackson made history when she was appointed in 2021 as the first woman to hold the position at the Center. She came to Louisville from United Way of Metro Chicago and started in January 2022. She said Lonnie Ali was the first person she told about her decision to leave.

She will stay on for several weeks and help the transition team search for a new leader. The transition team is led by Nicole Yates, with help from Lonnie Ali, former Mayor Greg Fischer, and others. 

Jackson is leaving the Center to become president and CEO of the American Alliance of Museums in Washington, D.C.

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