Chicago United for Equity Announces Appointment of New Executive Director
- Admin
- Feb 10
- 3 min read
Dynamic Leader Set to Propel Nonprofit Forward
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After a thoughtful and thorough process, Chicago United for Equity (CUE) is excited to announce the appointment of Jerry L. Hawkins as its new Executive Director, effective immediately. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, Jerry is committed to fostering inclusive growth and sustainable change. He will spearhead the vision to advance CUE's mission to transform Chicagoans' relationship to power.
Jerry L. Hawkins is a dedicated advocate for social justice, an educator, a historian, and a futurist. He is also a Presidential Leadership Scholar and Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer and Narrator for the "Recovering The Stories: Exploring the History and Resilience in Dallas Communities" PBS/KERA Documentary Series. Jerry has previously served as the Founding Executive Director of Dallas Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation, an initiative of W.K. Kellogg Foundation & Communities Foundation of Texas, and the Founding Project Director of Bachman Lake Together, an initiative of The Dallas Foundation & Zero To Five Funders Collaborative. Jerry is a 2025 Dr. Harry Robinson, Jr. Legacy Award winner and was selected as one of the "Dallas 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders in North Texas" in 2021 and 2022 by D CEO/D Magazine. Born and raised in Chicago, Jerry has previously served at the Chicago Urban League and Chicago Public Schools. Read Jerry's full bio here.
"My excitement to join Chicago United for Equity (CUE) is rooted in the belief that CUE has already built a locally impactful and nationally significant example of racial equity in action, and I am grateful for the opportunity to add to the legacy of the founders, board members, staff, and community," said Jerry L. Hawkins, Executive Director of Chicago United for Equity. "Growing up on the Southside of Chicago, it did not take long for me to notice, feel, and experience the personal and societal impacts of segregation and lack of accountability the city had with its Black and Brown residents, working-class people, and people with limited income. This time we live in has cast Chicago, the city I so love and cherish, in a negative national spotlight, so I return home ready to work and build collective power, to share a different narrative of the people who made and make this city great, and to help bring forth a more equitable future Chicagoans desire and deserve."
CUE's Staff and Board of Directors express deep gratitude to Candace Williams for her steadfast leadership during the transition. Her commitment ensured CUE remained strong in its mission and positioned the organization for continued impact. CUE also thanks the Search Committee for their diligent work in identifying the right leader to guide the organization forward.
"This is a pivotal moment for CUE as we move into our next chapter, and Jerry understands that," said Terri A. Johnson, Board of Directors Co-Chair. "He's not coming in with all the answers - he's coming in ready to learn this organization, honor what's been built, and work alongside our community to shape what comes next. That's the kind of leadership we need."
"CUE is proud to welcome Jerry home to Chicago as our new Executive Director," said Tamela Meehan, Board of Directors Co-Chair. "He is a proven visionary leader and a committed advocate for social justice. As he returns home to lead, we are energized for what lies ahead and excited to collectively continue building a more just and equitable future for our city."
