URBAN LEAGUE SIGNALS REBIRTH LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE SEARCH FOR NEW CEO
The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle today signaled its rebirth with the announcement that it is seeking a new President and CEO with applications from prospective applicants needing to be sent by email to the ULMS by Friday, 5 pm on January 20, 2012. The Interim UMLS Board is hoping to announce the new CEO by late March.
“We have dutifully reduced all costs and are in the process of selling our primary asset (the headquarters building) to be able to put ourselves on solid financial footing, so we are announcing our plans to find a new CEO to take charge and rebuild the Urban League’s brand, vision and future,” said Walle Ralkowski, Interim Board Chair and Search Chair. “And, we have more good news in that negotiations with our prospective buyer of the Urban League’s building will allow us to remain in our present location – only as a tenant.”
“We are also beginning our new fundraising initiative to rebuild our treasury, thanks to the many calls, emails and requests from the community that we not retreat – but regroup with new energy to face the critical problems which have been our legacy: equal education for all, housing affordability, employment opportunities and equal treatment by all laws,” Mr. Ralkowski said.
Established in 1930, the ULMS serves the metropolitan area – some two million people, including 250,000 people of color residing throughout the communities. It is the anchor affiliate in the Pacific Northwest.
“We have been very deliberative in rethinking our steps since the splash of headlines last spring. These reports created a cloud over the Urban League’s operations which have taken time to resolve. But I am happy to say, we are there now. We have resolved problems with local agencies and prior contracts, and we have cooperated with others to reach a place where we feel it is safe to go forward and rebuild one of the most important institutions of the region,” said Ralkowski.
“We are also announcing that we will be soliciting applications for a new Board of Directors early this year: it is time that a new CEO have new Board members to craft an agenda that will again bring pride to one of the most productive, effective and needed Urban League in the country,” Mr. Ralkowski said.
