By RayJaun Stelly, The Seattle Medium
Byrd Barr Place Board of Directors, formerly known as the Central Area Motivation Program, recently announced the selection of Dr. Angela Griffin as their next CEO.
Griffin brings over 25 years of experience in advancing racial justice in the social service and education fields. She previously served as the CEO of Launch in Seattle, a nonprofit focused on high-quality early learning and care. During her time there, she successfully increased tuition assistance for working families by 200% and incorporated legislative advocacy as a fundamental service, while working towards establishing the organization as anti-racist.
“We believe Dr. Griffin’s impactful career in social service, along with her commitment to racial justice, make her the leader that Byrd Barr Place needs,” said Tamara Howie, Byrd Barr Board Co-Chair. “She has a track record of building trusting relationships with Black communities and other communities of color.”
Griffin will assume the role of CEO on July 10, replacing Andrea Caupain Sanderson.
“I’m particularly excited to join a Black-led organization that is meeting the needs of Black communities and communities with low incomes, while advocating for systemic change,” said Griffin. “It feels like a homecoming since my first job in Seattle was working with Black families in the Central District neighborhood.”
Byrd Barr Place transitioned to its current name in 2018, in honor of Seattle civil rights leader Roberta Byrd Barr. Byrd Barr, a community leader, journalist, and educator, dedicated herself to fighting for civil rights and amplifying the voices of both the Black community and those living in poverty. In 1973, she became the principal of Lincoln High School, becoming the first woman and African American to hold such a position in the Seattle Public Schools. Byrd Barr Place aims to carry on her legacy of community, fairness, and opportunity.
“I need to first gain an understanding of what the organization has been doing well. Building stability provides a strong foundation,” said Griffin. “As the organization completes its strategic plan, I will have the opportunity to help develop a new strategic plan in collaboration with the board and the community.”
Byrd Barr Place recently completed a $12.8 million renovation of its building and plans to expand on its 60-year legacy of social service and advocacy. In the past year, the organization supported over 5,500 food bank visits, provided 6,646 energy assistance grants, and distributed $1.9 million in rental assistance to help families stay housed. Byrd Barr Place has also been leading research and advocacy efforts to support Black homeownership, Black maternal health, and overall Black well-being.
“Dr. Griffin’s approach of shared leadership, her passion for research, and her trauma-informed practice are foundational for this next phase of the organization,” said Heyward Watson, board co-chair. “We trust her to move Byrd Barr Place’s vision forward.”
“It is crucial that organizations led by people who look like me are also led by people like me. Therefore, I am honored to follow in Andrea’s footsteps and lead an organization like this. Being part of this shift in our community is vital,” added Griffin.
