| New York, NY—The Board of Directors of the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) has selected Murad Awawdeh as its next Executive Director. Murad Awawdeh will succeed Steve Choi, who stepped down in September 2020 after 7 years of leading the organization. Murad first joined the NYIC—the nation’s oldest and largest statewide immigrant rights coalition —in 2014, when he took over leadership of our political and civic engagement work, rising to Executive Vice President of Advocacy and Strategy. In 2020, he stepped into the role of interim co-Executive Director, as the search for the next permanent leader began. Additionally, Murad Awawdeh will serve as the Executive Director of NYIC's sister C4 organization, NYIC Action.
“Murad is a positive and energetic leader. His deep understanding of New York State politics, his warmth, collegial style, practical approach to problem-solving, and passion for immigrant rights work have led to historic investments into communities of color and an expansion of immigrant rights and services across the State and nationally. Murad has earned the respect of staff, board, and supporters,” said Guillermo Chacon, Chair, Board of Directors, NYIC. “The board is excited to work with Murad as our new Executive Director and confident that the NYIC will be well-positioned under his guidance to thrive in the years to come.”
“I appreciate the board’s confidence in me, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead the NYIC at this critical juncture in our history, after four years of relentless attacks on immigrant New Yorkers. The NYIC and its coalition members are resilient, and I know that together we can continue to win campaigns, advance immigrant rights and expand services and financial resources to our communities at the city, state, and federal level,” said Murad Awawdeh. “I’m especially grateful to Rovika Rajkishun for her strong partnership as interim co-Executive Director and to Steve Choi for his support and guidance during our leadership transition. The NYIC is strong today because of the tireless work of our staff, members, and the board who have worked together to strengthen New York’s immigrant rights movement.”
As Executive Director, Murad Awawdeh will work closely with staff and the NYIC board to ensure the organization can continue to deliver for immigrant and refugee communities across New York State through the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and beyond. |
