LOS ANGELES URBAN LEAGUE NAMES CYNTHIA MITCHELL-HEARD AS PRESIDENT AND CEO – Mitchell-Heard is the first woman to hold this leadership position in nearly a century and the second woman to head the esteemed civil rights organization 

The Los Angeles Urban League (LAUL) proudly announces the appointment of Cynthia Mitchell-Heard as its new President and CEO effective January 1, 2024. Heard will become the first woman to assume this leadership role since Katherine Barr, the LAUL’s President in the late 1920s until 1931.  Ms. Mitchell-Heard also made history when she was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the LAUL, the first woman in the organization’s history to hold this position.  As President & CEO, she is charged with advancing the work and legacy of the civil rights and service organization, which has been improving the lives of its members and Los Angeles communities for more than a century.

Ms. Mitchell-Heard brings more than 30 years of experience working with non-profit organizations.  She is a recognized and celebrated strategic and visionary leader, with strengths 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 alumna of the University of Southern California who holds a master’s degree in education from Howard University.

Elliot Hinds, Chair of the LAUL Board of Directors, expressed his enthusiasm for 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,” said Hinds. “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.”

“I am thrilled that the Los Angeles Urban League has selected Cynthia Mitchell-Heard as the next President & CEO of the Los Angeles Urban League. 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,” said Michael A. Lawson, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Urban League. “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.”

“I am deeply honored and grateful for the trust placed in me with this appointment to President and CEO of the Los Angeles Urban League,” said Ms. Mitchell-Heard. “I am committed to upholding the legacies of remarkable leaders including Katherine Barr, John Mack, and Ambassador Michael Lawson. With unwavering dedication, I will strive to build upon their accomplishments and lead the organization to new heights. Thank you for this incredible opportunity.”