Emily K Center CEO Stepping Down After Nearly Two Decades

After leading the Emily K Center through nearly two decades of service to Durham youth, Chief Executive Officer Adam Eigenrauch will step down from his role on June 30, the organization announced today.

The center’s Board of Directors has appointed Executive Director Dr. Valerie Anderson to succeed Eigenrauch, effective July 1.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to sincerely thank Adam for his contributions as CEO,” said Mike Krzyzewski, board chair and founder of the Emily K Center, in a news release. “Adam’s guidance and dedication to our mission have enabled the center to thrive. It has been inspiring to witness the profound impact of the Emily K Center, much of which is a direct result of his outstanding leadership.”

Eigenrauch joined the Emily K Center staff in 2006, shortly after its founding. Under his leadership, the center has grown from a single program serving 38 students to four programs that now support nearly 2,000 students annually. Since 2021, the center has completed a 7,500-square-foot expansion, launched a three-year strategic plan, and celebrated numerous college and high school graduates from its enrollment-based programs.

“Serving as the center’s CEO has been an honor and privilege,” Eigenrauch said. “I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished together since opening our doors in 2006 and could not be more thrilled to welcome Valerie into this role. Her knowledge and expertise have already proven to be invaluable, and I know the center will continue to thrive under Dr. Anderson’s leadership.”

Anderson, who was promoted to executive director in 2024 after serving as chief impact officer, has helped strengthen school partnerships, expand the Game Plan: College and Scholars on Campus programs, and launch the center’s first mental health support initiative. She has worked closely with Eigenrauch since 2017 and played a key role in the center’s strategic development and expansion.

Located in Durham, the Emily K Center was founded by Coach Krzyzewski in honor of his mother, Emily Krzyzewski. Its mission is to inspire students from Durham to dream big, act with character and purpose, and reach their potential as leaders in their community. The center offers a range of academic and college readiness programs focused on serving students with limited resources and access to educational support.