Worcester Interfaith executive director leaving to lead efforts for NYC police reform
Photo | WBJ file photo
Isabel Gonzalez-Webster
Isabel Gonzalez-Webster will step down from her role as executive director of Worcester Interfaith in January to take a position as executive director with New York advocacy nonprofit Communities United for Police Reform, the Worcester multi-faith organization announced on Thursday.
In the three years Gonzalez-Webster led the Worcester group, she tripled Worcester Interfaith’s budget through state contracts and expanded its work in jobs access, public health, voting rights, and educational justice, per Thursday’s announcement. At the same time, she expanded the one-person staff to include four permanent positions and part-time contractors.
“Although we are saddened by Isabel's departure, we are joyful for the wonderful career opportunity for her and her family. We know that she will be a blessing to her new employer as she has been to WI,” said Jose Encarnacion of Christian Community Church, the board president of Worcester Interfaith, in the press release. "We are also grateful for her leadership which has strengthened our organization leaving us well prepared to continue the restorative justice work that has been taking place in the communities we serve.”
A search for a new executive director will begin immediately. Gonzalez-Webster is expected to work with the board to ease the transition in leadership.
In her new role, Gonzalez-Webster will lead the New York City nonprofit Communities United for Police Reform, which was formed in 2014 after Eric Garner was choked to death by New York City police. The organization calls for reform of what it calls discriminatory and abusive policing in the city.
"I'm incredibly proud of the Worcester Interfaith board, staff, members and community. We have been able to build power in Worcester and bring the issue of racism and institutional inequity to the forefront," Gonzalez-Webster said in a press release. "I have been honored to collaborate with amazing leaders to bring about institutional change as it relates to the electoral system, Worcester Public Schools and diversity in public and private development in Worcester. I can't wait to see all the amazing things the future holds for Worcester Interfaith in its next chapter."
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