Centers for New Horizons Appoints Third CEO in its 50 Year History
Centers for New Horizons today announced the appointment of Ms. Lakisha McFadden to the position of Chief Executive Officer. McFadden brings eight years of experience as a leader within the organization.
This appointment represents a continuation of the organization’s five decades as a Black-led organization with an ongoing commitment to bringing vision, energy and optimism to the communities it serves. This year, Centers for New Horizons celebrated its 50th year dedicated to advancing quality of life within South Side neighborhoods.
Board chair Jay Readey explains, “As the result of a highly competitive search process, we are extremely excited by our appointment of Lakisha to lead us into our next decades of service excellence. As an internal candidate with a proven record of commitment and effective leadership, we are clear that Lakisha has the drive and imagination to take us forward. Lakisha is the right leader to focus on both programmatic excellence as well as strategic growth as we enter our next half century of providing transformational services for community members of all ages.”
Comments McFadden, “As a Chicago native, born and raised in Cabrini Green, I understand the integral role of community organizations and their importance to the people who rely on them. I am honored by this appointment and thank our amazing board of directors for their faith in me. I intend to draw on my passion for our work and my respect for our dedicated staff to build on our strong investments in our communities.”
With its headquarters in Bronzeville, Centers for New Horizons supports families across the lifespan through multiple programs including early childhood education, youth development, violence interruption, workforce development and senior services. Guided by a mission to develop the capacities of individuals and families, Centers continues to be a growing organization.
Among signature efforts on the horizon will be the renovation of an historic former women’s residence in Bronzeville, “Elam House,” which will be re-purposed to serve women affected by domestic violence.
Major funding for Centers’ programs comes from city and state contracts as well as grant funding and private philanthropy.