GlassRoots, the Newark, New Jersey, not-for-profit organization that uses glass to teach life lessons to at-risk youth, has a new executive director. The Board of Trustees announced on Monday that Barbara Heisler, who has been acting as Interim Executive Director since July 1, 2013, will be promoted to full executive director effective July 1, 2014.
Kathryn Markel, President of the Board of Trustees, said in a press release concerning the appointment that, "Over the past year, Barbara has worked with the staff and board to assess and realign our programs, review and strengthen our finances, and make our operations more effective and efficient. We're delighted to have her as our Executive Director."
Heisler already boasts a wealth of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, having served as the executive director of Funding Exchange, CEO of Fund for an Open Society, and executive director for the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race. Additionally, she has held senior management positions at the U.S. Department of Education, Parsons/The New School, and the New England Conservatory of Music. Currently, Heisler is a member of the board of the Center for Non-Profits and the Center for Creative Placemaking.
“I’ve had a lot of experience working at nonprofit and educational organizations – including postsecondary art institutions,” said Heisler in an email exchange with the GLASS Quarterly Hot Sheet. “I’m comfortable with change, love working with young people, and am excited about the future ahead for GlassRoots.