Center on Halsted announced on Dec. 5 that Dallas-based advocate Joli Angel Robinson has been appointed as the Center’s new chief executive officer. Robinson begins in the new role on Jan. 8, 2024.
Robinson comes to the position after several years of advocacy work in Texas; her most recent post was as President/CEO of Housing Forward in Dallas. She had been vice president of government affairs and public policy at Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity as well. Robinson was also head of the Dallas Police Department office of community affairs and youth outreach unit for seven years, and has been a board member for both ACLU of Texas and North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
“I am humbled by this opportunity to further the Center on Halsted mission of advancing the community and securing the health and well-being of the LGBTQ people. I look forward to supporting and serving alongside the Center’s staff as we expand our reach and services, foster deeper collaboration, partnerships, and impact, all while celebrating the diversity that defines us,” said Robinson in a statement. “I am inspired by the rich history of the Center and the dedication and passion of this community. I look forward to the collective impact we will make as we center equity in our work and play an integral role in furthering a more inclusive future in Chicagoland and beyond.”
“We are delighted to welcome Joli Angel Robinson to our team and look forward to the ways she will use her wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to inclusivity, equity, and positive community to make a positive impact on our organization and the greater Chicagoland LGBTQ+ community,” said Victor Ravago, chairman of the board of directors Center on Halsted’s executive committee. “We look forward to working together to ensure that Center continues to be a beacon of support, empowerment, and celebration for LGBTQ+ individuals as we expand our impact.”
Robinson’s appointment follows a months-long search after the departure of longtime Center on Halsted CEO Modesto Tico Valle. The search was conducted by the Chicago firm Koya Partners, in collaboration with the Center’s search committee, which, according to the Dec. 5 statement, “engaged over 600 leaders from various backgrounds, including board members, staff, community partners, community members, donors, and local LGBTQ leaders.”