Public Allies Announces New Executive Leaders to Enhance Community Engagement and Economic Opportunities

Introduction

Public Allies, a prominent national nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering diverse leadership and economic opportunities, has recently made significant leadership appointments. José A. Rico has been named as the Chief Development and Communications Officer, while Michelle Dobbs takes on the role of Chief Programs Officer. Both come with rich backgrounds of service and dedication, eager to drive the organization's mission forward at a pivotal time in its history.

Leadership Profiles

José A. Rico: A Journey of Leadership and Impact

José A. Rico is an alumnus of Public Allies and brings over 30 years of leadership experience working within education, public policy, and philanthropy. His journey with Public Allies began in 1994, and he later served as a Program Manager under Michelle Obama in Chicago.

In 2009, President Barack Obama appointed him to lead the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, a role through which he championed crucial improvements in education for Latino students, focusing on reducing dropout rates and enhancing college graduation opportunities.

After returning to Chicago in 2014, Rico became Senior Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, where he managed over $150 million in investments aimed at bolstering social services and neighborhood development. Furthermore, he founded the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) initiative in Greater Chicago, connecting various leaders to promote racial healing and community unification.

José’s return to Public Allies emphasizes his deep commitment to nurturing opportunities and driving initiatives that empower individuals, build communities, and ultimately create a more inclusive society.

Michelle Dobbs: A Visionary in Program Development

Michelle Dobbs brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and program innovation to her new position as Chief Programs Officer. She notably served as the first Education and Training Program Manager at Public Allies and later stepped into the role of National Program Director, crafting the foundational model for Public Allies’s current operations.

Her contributions also include her work as Vice President of Leadership Practice, where she led a team of consultants from Public Allies and the Asset-Based Community Development Institute of Northwestern University. Not only has Michelle been a community builder and published author, but she also owns Sugarfoot Publishing, focusing on amplifying diverse voices through storytelling and leadership development.

Her novel, The Rock Island Line: Conversations Over Chicken and Dumplings, celebrates African American history and has even been adapted for theatrical performance. Michelle's leadership will be essential in evolving Public Allies’ programs to meet the demands of today’s diverse leaders and communities.

Advancing Public Allies' Mission

These leadership appointments come at a critical juncture for Public Allies as it continues its vital mission to foster belonging and civic engagement in communities across the nation. With over 10,000 alumni, the organization is firmly rooted in principles of service, justice, and the belief that each community deserves principled leaders who can navigate unique challenges and opportunities.

Jenise Terrell, CEO of Public Allies, noted that having seasoned leaders who have grown through Public Allies return to shape the future is a profound moment for the organization, affirming its legacy and enduring impact.

Conclusion

Public Allies is committed to creating a just society characterized by diverse leadership. With the appointments of José A. Rico and Michelle Dobbs, the organization is poised to enhance its efforts in building a network of leaders who will foster collaboration, economic growth, and community empowerment. This strategic move marks a significant step towards realizing Public Allies’ vision of a nation where belonging and equitable opportunity are accessible to everyone.

For more details on Public Allies and its initiatives, please visit their website at www.publicallies.org.