Wave Staff Report
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Urban League has announced the appointment of Cynthia Mitchell-Heard as its new president and chief executive office.
Mitchell-Heard assumed her new position Jan. 1, replacing Michael Lawson.
She becomes the first woman to lead the Los Angeles Urban League since Katherine Barr, who led the league in the late 1920s and stepped down in 1931.
“I am thrilled that the Los Angeles Urban League has selected Cynthia Mitchell-Heard as the next president and CEO of the Los Angeles Urban League,” said Lawson. “I know that the Los Angeles Urban League will grow and thrive under her leadership. It has been an honor to serve our community under the vision of John Mack. I know that Cynthia will continue the legacy of John Mack and the Los Angeles Urban League presidents and CEOs on whose shoulders we stand.”
Mitchell-Heard brings more than 30 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations. Her strengths are in organizational and program development, innovative fundraising solutions, fiscal management and the implementation of effective processes and systems. She also is known for her collaborative leadership style, which includes mentoring and motivating others to be their best.
A native of Los Angeles, Mitchell-Heard is an graduate of USC and holds a master’s degree in education from Howard University.
Elliot Hinds, chair of the Los Angeles Urban League Board of Directors, expressed his enthusiasm for Mitchell-Heard’s appointment.
“Cynthia Mitchell-Heard’s visionary leadership and deep understanding of community needs mark a new era for the Los Angeles Urban League,” Hinds said. “We chose her to propel our organization into a future that richly connects Black and other underrepresented Angelenos to the vast and exciting opportunities that exist in our vibrant city.”
An event recognizing Mitchell-Heard’s appointment was held Jan. 13 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City.
Attending the event were Mayor Karen Bass, U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, Councilman Curren Price and Marc Morial, president of National Urban League.
