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N E W S R E L E A S E
December 20, 2023
Louisville Urban League Announces New President and CEO
Louisville, KY, December 20, 2023 —Today, the Board of Directors for the Louisville Urban League announced Lyndon E. Pryor was unanimously selected as permanent President and CEO of the organization, effective immediately. The board selected Pryor after a competitive three-month national search that involved certification by the National Urban League. Pryor has served in the role as Interim since March of this year, following the five-month tenure and departure of the previous CEO.
“I couldn’t be more excited about the selection of Lyndon Pryor as our permanent CEO and President,” said John Borders, Jr., a long-time board member. “Mr. Pryor is innovative, forward-thinking, and insightful. But more than anything, he’s tirelessly passionate about serving a community devastated by the social and economic poverty caused by centuries of systemic racism. The city as a whole—and marginalized people in particular—will undoubtedly benefit in measurable ways as a result of his efforts and those of his incredible team at the League.”
Pryor joined the League in 2015, establishing and leading the community health program “It Starts with Me!” and helped build and grow Louisville’s network of community health workers. Since then, he has helped to establish policy positions, internal data systems, and critical infrastructure support for the League’s work. He quickly rose through the ranks and served as the Chief Engagement Officer, helping to spearhead special projects like A Path Forward for Louisville, overseeing all communications areas for the organization, and working with community members, partners, and government officials to find innovative approaches to serve the community’s needs through programmatic and policy efforts. Over his eight years and particularly over the last nine months, Pryor has earned the trust and respect of his colleagues and the community.
“Lyndon Pryor has proven himself and is prepared to lead one of our best affiliates into its next chapter,” said Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League. “We are eager and ready to welcome him and continue to collaborate on the challenges we face not only in Louisville, but across the nation.”
“When I started as CEO of the Louisville Urban League, Lyndon Pryor was the first person added to the team,” said Sadiqa Reynolds, former Louisville Urban League President and CEO. “Over time, his potential became obvious. Four years ago, when the National Urban League offered CEO training, I nominated him. His star shined even brighter. However, even armed with that certification, when I decided to leave, he did not apply for the job, choosing instead to make space for another Black woman. This was an example of his selfless leadership.”
“When it became obvious that Lyndon would need to step in as CEO, he rose to the occasion,” Reynolds said. “navigating troubled waters and calmly leading his team, the donors, and our community through the storm that ensued. He did it with courage and grace and an incomparable love and respect for the people, the movement, and the institution.”
“In the last 42 years that I have worked and volunteered for the Louisville Urban League, Lyndon Pryor is one of the few leaders who gets it completely,” said Deathra Shipley, a manager within the League’s accounting team. “From the staff to our programs, to the community we serve, to the greater Urban League movement, he understands how to connect them all. He has been going through all phases of the organization, looking at how we can improve. In just his nine months as Interim, he has already started moving us in new and innovative directions. My colleagues and I are so excited for the organization’s future.”
“Throughout history, there have been periods where significant and impactful changes are possible,” said Dave Christopher, Sr., Founder and Executive Director of AMPED. “The Industrial Revolution and the Civil Rights era are examples. I believe that we are in another one of these periods in American history. It is imperative that we have great leaders in these periods of change. We have that leader in Lyndon Pryor.”
Reynolds continued, “His skillful balancing is no surprise to me as I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside him for many years. When I first interviewed him, he was sitting in a hotel lobby holding his baby girl, Austyn, and supporting a career move for his wife, Dr. Brandy Kelly Pryor. Later, after the birth of his son, August, he became the first father, working for me, to use his medical leave to care for his newborn. Lyndon Pryor is battle-tested, and we, the people, are thankful that the Board had the fortitude to act decisively. As we say, once an Urban Leaguer, always an Urban Leaguer, and this forever Urban Leaguer stands squarely behind Lyndon Pryor, a man strong enough to follow a woman.”
In its 103rd year of operation, Pryor will preside over the organization as it continues to impact the city of Louisville and Black people across the pillars of Jobs, Justice, Education, Health, Housing, and Black Business.
“My commitment to growth and dedication to the liberation of Black people has led me into positions that have allowed me to make meaningful contributions to my community’s social, economic, and political advancement,” Pryor said. “But no experience has been as personally fulfilling, professionally enriching, or tangibly impactful as my work here in Louisville.”
“Over the past eight years, the League has established itself as a catalyst for change on behalf of Black people and other marginalized populations,” Pryor continued. “Until recently, my goal had never been to be a chief changemaker but rather a vital instrument of that change. But this year’s events have helped me recognize the value of my unique perspective. I deeply understand the micro- and macro-level challenges facing the League, and I have an unwavering commitment to quality results, the trust and skill to lead the talented team in place, and a vision for what lies ahead. I am excited to move forward in this role permanently, and I am confident that we can build on the positive impact the League has already made.”
The League will host an introductory welcome reception in January 2024.
About the Louisville Urban League
The Louisville Urban League assists African Americans and those at the margins in attaining social and economic equality and stability through direct services and advocacy. For more information, go to lul.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@louisvilleUL), or Instagram (@louisville_ul).
