Tuesday, May 12, 2009: The Urban League of Greater Madison Board of Directors has announced that Scott Gray, the organization’s President and CEO, has been named to head the Minneapolis Urban League. He will be leaving Madison to assume his new role at the end of the month.
Board chair Annette Miller expressed, on behalf of the board, “their best wishes to Scott and thanks for his leadership over the last four years.” She also announced that the board had unanimously approved the appointment of Edward Lee, a 14-year veteran of the Urban League of Greater Madison, as Interim President and CEO. Lee served as Interim CEO for nearly a year prior to Scott Gray’s hiring and has served essentially as chief operating officer for nearly a decade under both Gray and his predecessor Stephen Braunginn. Lee explained that he is “excited at the opportunities that lie ahead for the League. Our new offices and training facility is expected to open late this year, new and expanded employment and training programs are in the works, our youth education programs are preparing for expansion into additional schools and school districts at the start of the new school year, and much more.”
In responding to the announcement, City of Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz issued the following statement:
"I'd first like to congratulate Scott Gray for being named CEO of the Minneapolis Urban League. Scott has been a champion of job creation and affordable housing in the community. I've enjoyed my relationship with Scott and have been impressed with his collaborative efforts to bring a new Urban League Center for Economic Development to the Villager. While we are sad to lose Scott, I look forward to working with Annette and Ed as the new Economic Development Center prepares to open and increase the Urban League’s capacity to serve Madison residents."
In his own statement, Gray explained that he is “sad to be leaving and will greatly miss working with the League’s remarkable team of staff, board members, volunteers, and community partners. The decision to leave was a difficult one, but I eventually realized that the chance to continue my service to the Urban League in a larger market was too great of an opportunity for me and my family to pass up.”
Milele Chikasa Anana, UMOJA Magazine Publisher and a community representative on the search team that hired Scott believes that “the fact that Scott was named to lead the Minneapolis affiliate is a testament to the great work that he accomplished here. He implemented the vision that we asked of him and I know Ed and the board well enough to be confident in a smooth transition and continued focus on jobs and economic development issues of concern in the African American community.”
Miller, who is in her second term as board chair, has provided the board leadership that resulted in the Urban League breaking ground in March on a new Center for Economic Development and Workforce Training. She currently works as Community Services Manager at Madison Gas and Electric. Prior to that she worked in the office of Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and also spent eleven years in state government as a policy advisor.
Steve Goldberg, Executive Director of the CUNA Mutual Group Foundation which provides financial support to the Urban League, echoed the sentiments of the board and others. “Scott generated some great momentum for the League’s work. I’ve worked with Ed for many years and I believe this momentum will carry forward. CUNA Mutual has invested in the League’s new Center. We are excited at the new opportunities that will be afforded to the community with a modern Urban League training facility to be located in the heart of a vibrant South Park Street corridor. Already, I have seen the League out there partnering with other agencies on projects such as the recent South Madison Job Fair. Our foundation has renewed its support for the League’s 21st Century Careers Program. As a result, the League will help 30 youth secure their first summer job experience next month – even despite the troubled economy.”
Miller explained that, “By the end of 2008, 689 individuals had applied for Urban League job assistance programs. That number was more than double the prior year. The community obviously needs the Urban League. This is why the board will remain focused on completing our new training center, relocating to South Madison, and expanding our programs. We expect our financial supporters and community partners will do the same.”
The League will be announcing plans shortly for its 41st anniversary event which raises funds to support annual program operations and several teams of volunteers are already working to secure the remaining funds needed for the League’s relocation and program expansion campaign. A reception is being planned for later this month to thank Scott and welcome Ed into his new role. Miller suggests that people call the League at 608.251.8550 or visit its website at www.ulgm.org to learn about volunteer, sponsorship, and donation opportunities.
In consultation with the National Urban League, the process has already begun to search for a new Urban League CEO. Lee has stated that he will not seek the position on a permanent basis and National Urban League policies prohibit currently serving Board from applying.
The Urban League of Greater Madison is one of the oldest and largest community and economic development organizations rooted in the African American Community. The League’s three point economic empowerment agenda is focused on college readiness & career development of our youth, career counseling & workforce training for adults, and home ownership development for families. More information is available at www.ulgm.org.
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