The Urban League of Springfield’s board of directors announced the appointment of Yvette Frisby as the organization’s new president and CEO. Frisby, a seasoned senior executive, is the first woman to lead the organization in its 111-year history. She has been a key figure in the Springfield Urban League for 40 years, having risen through the ranks to serve as senior vice president of Operations & Administrative Services over the past decade.
Over the past year, Frisby has served as interim president and CEO before being officially appointed to the role. In addition to her new position, she will also act as executive director of the historic Camp Atwater, the oldest African American camp in the U.S.
“Yvette is the ideal choice to lead the Urban League during this transformative and historical period,” said Maurice Powe, board chair. “She is extremely knowledgeable about the organization on a local, regional and national level. Yvette possesses a formidable executive viewpoint on the strategic direction the Urban League is moving in. I look forward to the leadership and experience Yvette will bring to the organization along with her positive impact on our entire community.”
Since arriving at the Urban League in 1984, Frisby has held various positions, including office manager, executive assistant to the president’s office, youth & education director, Camp Atwater administrator, and operations & administration director. She stepped into a senior leadership role in 2003.
“As the new president and CEO of the Urban League of Springfield Inc., I am excited to bring the vision and mission of the National Urban League to life locally,” she added. “In this pivotal voting year, our work in defending democracy takes on even greater significance.”
Frisby holds a master’s degree in organizational management and leadership and a bachelor’s degree in human services from Springfield College. She serves as president of the Greater Springfield Chapter of the Links Inc. and is an adjunct professor at Bay Path University. Additionally, she is a member of the Massachusetts Governor’s Advisory Council for the Advancement of Representation in Education, a commissioner of the Springfield Cultural Council, and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Xi Xi Omega Chapter.
