SACRAMENTO – Following a national search, the Greater Sacramento Urban League has announced that former Assistant City Manager Cassandra Jennings will take the helm of the Greater Sacramento Urban League. Ms. Jennings has served as the organization’s Interim President and CEO since the resignation of James Shelby last September.
“I am extremely pleased to announce the election of Ms. Cassandra Jennings as the Greater Sacramento Urban League’s new President and CEO. Her appointment by the GSUL Board of Directors was the result of a rigorous national search,” shared Board Chair Sandra Davis Houston.
“Ms. Jennings’ experience, coupled with a deep passion for the Urban League mission, were among the most important factors in our decision. We believe we’ve selected exactly the right leader at the right time for the Sacramento Urban League,” shared Ms. Davis Houston, who co-lead the Search Committee with Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson.
Ms. Jennings assumes the permanent role on April 18. A formal announcement will be made at the GSUL’s annual Unity Ball on Thursday, April 21. The gala, being held at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Sacramento, honors those who have made made an impact on the organization and those it serves and will also welcome those who will “help position the organization for even greater heights for years to come.”
This year’s theme is “Empowerment Matters: People, Purpose, Passion.”
The GSUL has announced that national TV personality, Roland S. Martin will be the evening’s guest speaker. Martin is the host and managing editor of “News One Now.”
The event will also be highlighted by the presentation of several awards. This year’s Community Empowerment award will be presented to Scott Syphax, President and CEO of Nehemiah Corporation of America. The Community Impact Award will go to Kathy McKim, AT&T’s Vice President of External Affairs. Former GSUL President and CEO James Shelby will receive the 2016 Legacy Award.
Mayor Kevin Johnson and Dignity Health President and CEO Lloyd Dean are honorary chairs for Unity Ball 2016. The Unity Ball is set to run 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Hyatt Regency is located at 1209 L Street. Tickets are $300 per person. For more information, call (916) 286-8600 or visit gsul.org .