WORCESTER, Mass. - Nicole Bell, who founded the nonprofit Living in Freedom Together, also known as LIFT, is no longer the organization's CEO. Bell founded the organization committed to ending the sex trade and helping survivors in 2014.

According to MassLive, a statement sent out by LIFT earlier this month said the board of directors named Audra Doody and Courtney Ross Escobar the new co-CEOs. According to the organization, the decision went through thorough consideration. Part of their statement to supporters reads, "Growth can be painful, and change can be hard, but the board of directors is confident that these changes will enable lift to continue its important mission and serve its participants.”

The statement does not include a reason behind Bell's departure. Spectrum News 1 reached out to LIFT Tuesday but did not get a response.

Bell made headlines last year when she filed a lawsuit against former St. John's Food for the Poor Director William "Billy" Riley, along with the Diocese of Worcester and St. John's pastor Rev. John Madden. Bell alleges Riley had her perform sex acts on him for money, and leadership didn't provide a safe space for bell and other patrons.

A independent investigation paid for by the diocese cleared Madden of any wrongdoing. No police investigation ever took place and no charges were ever filed. Riley resigned and maintains he did nothing wrong.

Spectrum News 1 has reached out to Bell, her attorney and LIFT several times over the last few months, but has yet to receive any communication back.