The Whatcom County Re-Entry Coalition has announced the resignation of the organization’s pioneering executive director, Jim Cozad.

Cozad, a longtime teacher, coach and resident of Bellingham, has decided to pursue personal interests, but will continue as an instructor of his re-entry university program, which was established to provide life-skills education and job search assistance to releasing citizens and others at risk in Whatcom County.

“We are so grateful for the time and dedication that Jim has given to us since the very beginning,” said Irene Morgan, the Coalition’s founder, in a press release. “Working with a limited volunteer staff, Jim has performed a critical role in the organization’s growth and impact.”

As it reorganizes, the coalition has several major projects in the works:

– Working with Western Washington University students to construct a new website.

– Developing an online Resource Navigator, a comprehensive tool for information, job resources, skills development and community resources for released offenders.

– Establishing a Restore-A-Life Center in Whatcom County, which will provide a positive community environment of peers and professionals to help released offenders re-enter society.

The coalition meets every third Wednesday of the month at St. Luke’s Education Center, 3333 Squalicum Parkway in Bellingham.