Michael A. Lawson, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Urban League since 2018, announced today that he intends to step down by the end of this year.
“Leading the Los Angeles Urban League has been an extraordinary honor,” said Mr. Lawson. “I have had the pleasure of working with an exceptional team of dedicated individuals who have consistently outperformed expectations. As our impact grows and having just sold out our annual Whitney M. Young Jr. Awards Dinner with a record-setting amount of funds raised, I am confident that this organization is on a path to a strong future.”
When Mr. Lawson arrived at the L. A. Urban League the organization was facing escalating deficits, decreasing revenues, and a shortage of talent. Lawson engineered a turnaround that prioritized the needs of underserved communities and provided funders with a trustworthy steward and a bold vision for making a difference in the lives and communities of African Americans throughout Los Angeles. The budget was balanced within 3 years and the organization became, once again, a driver of change, a community connection for jobs and resources, and a powerful voice against injustice and economic inequity.
Related: Historic Urban League building has been sold
The nonprofit lost its building in 2017 due to foreclosure but rebounded and took up office space inside a nearby building owned by the Bakewell family.
“We have been incredibly blessed with Michael Lawson’s leadership and the confidence he has inspired in everyone who deals with him,” said Elliot Hinds, Board Chair of the Los Angeles Urban League. “He has filled the room with integrity and clarity on the L.A. Urban League’s place in Los Angeles. His accomplishments have been brightly visible to anyone paying attention but for those of us who have been on the inside, what he has done for The League is masterful.”
Michael Lawson will continue to serve as President and CEO while a search for his replacement is conducted by the Board of Directors.