Mayor Brandon Johnson has made some strategic moves for the City Colleges of Chicago, picking a new crop of leaders to guide the city's educational future. Today, four new members, including the Rev. Dr. Marshall Elijah Hatch, Sr. as the future Board chair, have been appointed to the Board of Trustees. According to a release from the mayor's office, the appointees boast varied backgrounds yet share a steadfast commitment to the city's academic institutions and their students' progress.
Among these new trustees, Rev. Dr. Hatch, a prominent community figure, brings his extensive experience in public service, having chaired the Board of Trustees at Chicago State University. His work in community development and educational initiatives has marked him as a force for change on the West Side. Darlene Hightower, who holds a law degree and has been recognized for her fight for health and economic equality, will join him as a new trustee. Speaking about the dedication of these individuals, Mayor Johnson said, "They understand that the City Colleges are a crucial pipeline for our students that are striving for a better life for themselves and their families at every stage of life."
Also added to the board is Oscar Sanchez, who founded a business catering to nonprofit and social justice organizations, and has a history of community organization with a focus on environmental justice and violence prevention. Lastly, Katya Nuques, with her extensive philanthropy and community development background, is set to take the role of the board chair, arriving with distinctions like the Campeon de la Communidad Latina award. The new appointees are scheduled to attend their first regular board meeting on April 4th. The mayor made it a point to hail the leadership of outgoing chair Walter E. Massey, acknowledging the critical role he played in the success of City Colleges.
Dr. Hatch, alongside his duties as a pastor, has spearheaded several service programs, including a biennial overseas African mission trip for youth and a correspondence ministry for incarcerated individuals. Hightower has carved her path through leadership roles, notably from the Metropolitan Planning Council and Rush University Medical Center. According to the release, Sanchez's and Nuques' expertise in environmental efforts and community grantmaking respectively, rounds out the diverse skill set of the new trustees. With their induction into their roles, the mayor expresses confidence that "the best days for City Colleges are still ahead of us."
