If running a nonprofit organization is anything like running a relay race, then Andrea Chen and Jess Allen have just completed one of the most extended and carefully choreographed baton handoffs in history.

Since 2009, Chen has led Propeller, a nonprofit business incubator she co-founded to provide training, mentorship and resources to New Orleans-area entrepreneurs.

In 2020, and again in 2023, Allen stepped in as interim CEO when Chen was on sabbatical and maternity leave. Then, from the beginning of 2024, the two leaders served as Propeller’s co-CEOs, sharing responsibilities.

Earlier this month, Chen formally stepped down to take a new job, helming a national anti-discrimination nonprofit .

Now, Allen is Propeller’s sole leader, taking responsibility for an organization that eme

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