A letter from the NWC Board of Directors

Dear Northwest Center community,

After more than 11 incredible years of dedicated service to the Northwest Center (NWC) and the Belmont-Cragin community, Executive Director, James Rudyk, has decided to step down at the end of 2023. We, the Board of Directors, are thankful for James’ leadership throughout the years and fully support his decision to move on. Under James’ guidance, the NWC has flourished into a vibrant hub of support and empowerment for the community.

During his tenure, James has grown the organization from a team of 8 to an incredibly dedicated and talented team of more than 44. Under his leadership, the team successfully expanded the scope of services at the Center from housing and financial empowerment and advocacy and support to also include organizing, youth programs, workforce development, parent programs, older adult programs, and health equity programming that have garnered national recognition. James’ legacy includes creating The Northwest Side Community Development Corporation, a subsidiary nonprofit of the NWC. Together with NWC’s Development team, his fundraising efforts have maintained a position of financial strength throughout the years and allowed us to move from our small rented space to our own location in Belmont-Cragin and soon to our CDC office/second floor expansion. His leadership has profoundly impacted the lives of countless individuals throughout Chicago and is marked by his commitment to cultivating trusted relationships amongst local, regional, and national stakeholders. While James' departure will undoubtedly leave a void within our organization, we are grateful for the foundation of transparency, integrity, racial justice that he instilled in the NWC team.

The Board of Directors is engaged in the search for a new Executive Director (job posting and application links below) and James is playing a pivotal role in the hiring process to ensure a smooth transition. We have partnered with Reflector Lab, a mission driven, equity-centered hiring firm, and are committed to identifying and welcoming the next leader who will sustain the organizational health and build upon the success of Northwest Center in accordance with our core values.

Whether you are a Northwest Center program recipient, financial or organizational partner, peer, friend, business owner or resident of Belmont-Cragin reading this message, we thank you for being an integral part of our community and for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Francisco Ramirez, Board Chair

Sasha Ongtengco, Board Vice Chair

On behalf of the Northwest Center’s Board of Directors