Neighbors For Better Neighborhoods announces new executive director
Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods (NBN), a local nonprofit community-building organization dedicated to its mission of connecting people, strengthening voices, and leveraging resources, has hired a new leader. NBN welcomed Winston-Salem resident Latoya Robinson as its new executive director on Monday, Aug. 12.
Ms. Robinson is an experienced nonprofit leader, having founded and served as executive director for the SAVED Foundation since 2010. Based in Greensboro, SAVED Foundation provides evidence-based treatments for children and families who have experienced trauma.
“I look forward to working with the NBN board of directors and expert staff members of NBN to fulfill our vision to create and support safe, just and self-determined neighborhoods,” said Robinson. “My main goal as I transition into this role is to listen and gain a full understanding of NBN and the needs of the communities it serves.”
A succession planning committee made up of NBN board members selected Ms. Robinson from a pool of nearly 100 applicants.
“After an exhaustive search, we are excited with our decision to have Latoya serve as NBN’s new executive director,” commented NBN Board Chair Alvin Atkinson, who also chaired the succession planning committee. “She brings a wealth of experience from starting and leading a successful non-profit organization. Her passion for making the voices of marginalized individuals and communities heard was evident from the moment we met her.”
Long-time Executive Director Paula McCoy announced her impending retirement earlier this year. McCoy had led the organization since 2014 and will stay on for a short period to assist in the leadership transition.
“Paula’s leadership has created a high bar for our next leader,” Atkinson remarked. “We’re fortunate that Paula will be here to help Latoya take the leadership helm and enable NBN to achieve success in pursuit of its vision of safe, just and self-determined neighborhoods.”
NBN has experienced considerable growth in recent years, having nearly tripled its operating budget during McCoy’s tenure. McCoy said she feels she is leaving the organization in a stable place and is looking forward to seeing it reach new heights under Robinson’s leadership.
“This is a new chapter for NBN and an opportunity for the new executive director to take the organization to the next level,” said McCoy. “I am excited about what Ms. Robinson brings to the table. She has what it takes to succeed and I will support in every way to help ensure her successful start.”
A community-wide event to welcome Robinson is being planned for the fall.
