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CONTACT:
Karl Robillard, Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer
krobillard@glide.org
(415) 722-4512
Tri Nguyen, Director of Marketing & Communications
tnguyen@glide.org
(415) 608-6237
GLIDE Announces New CEO to Lead the Iconic Non-Profit Toward Future Development
Former GLIDE Client Turned Visionary, Dr. Gina Fromer, Takes Over GLIDE Operations Immediately
San Francisco, CA (October 9, 2023) – GLIDE, the spiritual haven, social justice and poverty eradication organization, today announced the appointment of its next CEO, Dr. Gina Fromer.
Dr. Fromer brings more than four decades of experience leading organizations and communities, forging strong partnerships, designing innovative solutions and advancing strategic goals to GLIDE. This includes eradicating poverty, addressing food insecurity and increasing social justice.
Dr. Fromer’s personal journey — from a single mother of three young boys who relied on help from GLIDE in the late 1980s to the organization’s CEO today — exemplifies the mission. “I want people coming to GLIDE for help to see me and say, ‘She was able to break the cycle of poverty for her family, and one day, I can do that too.’”
In her previous role as CEO at Children’s Council of San Francisco, Dr. Fromer led a staff of 140 and oversaw a $236 million budget to support San Francisco children, families, and early educators. Before that, she served as CEO of San Francisco Education Fund, Regional Vice President of YMCA of the East Bay and California State Director of The Trust for Public Land.
Dr. Fromer earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and organizational leadership from Dominican University of California, a master’s degree in psychology and organizational leadership from the University of Phoenix, and a doctorate in organizational development and leadership from the University of Arizona Global Campus.
As a sixth-generation San Franciscan, raised in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood, Dr. Fromer comes with proven dedication to and passion for the mission that Rev. Cecil Williams and Janice Mirikitani spearheaded for the past 60 years. As a teen, she began a lifetime of service as a counselor for Young Community Developers, which provides support and training for young adults. Dr. Fromer began her career at Head Start before rising through the ranks at the San Francisco YMCA.
Dr. Fromer has been a pioneer throughout her career. She joins an established leadership team that features a diversity of talent and backgrounds, including GLIDE’s Minister of Celebration Marvin K. White, Director of the Center for Social Justice Dr. Holly Joshi and Deputy Director of Programs Lillian Mark.
“I’m here to move forward the legacy Cecil and Janice started,” Dr. Fromer said. “We have to speak out for the people who are most vulnerable. I’m for creating a world where there’s a love agenda, and GLIDE is a doorway to that love agenda. Beyond the Tenderloin, GLIDE is here to make San Francisco a better place for everyone.”
Gina will be tasked with launching GLIDE Forward, a strategy to grow the organization’s positive impact in the Tenderloin and throughout San Francisco. The plan will bring together clients, community and congregation through integrated, direct services, social justice and advocacy, and spiritual healing. It includes the modernization of GLIDE’s campus and facilities for the next 60 years.
“GLIDE Forward builds on our strengths and goes a step further in empowering individuals and families to experience less suffering and move towards stability. This plan combines our vibrant community, unique legacy, and unparalleled reach with a more outcomes-based approach to integrated services in the Tenderloin and beyond. It is breathless and inspiring in scope and scale,” said Malcolm Walter, a Board member and outgoing interim CEO.
Kaye Foster, Chair of the Board of Directors, added: “Gina is the absolute best person to lead the charge to revitalize GLIDE coming out of the pandemic so we continue to be a force for empowerment and compassion in San Francisco for generations to come.”
About Glide Memorial Church:
In 1929, San Francisco Philanthropist Lizzie Glide purchased the property at 330 Ellis and funded both Glide Memorial Church and the GLIDE Foundation. In 1963 Cecil Williams became the pastor of Glide Memorial church and, together with his wife, Janice Mirikitani, inspired political, economic and cultural changes at both the church and the foundation. Glide Memorial Church has more than 20 congregational life groups supporting diverse individuals and has a Celebration service every Sunday at 9 and 11am. Our world-famous Glide Ensemble’s faithful music inspires activist spirituality in our sanctuary, the community, prisons, stadiums and on television. The music has bolstered our work with the Black Panthers and the United Farm Workers, been proclaimed alongside Gay Liberation and Marriage Equality, and sung out against Apartheid, domestic violence, economic and social injustice, poverty and hunger.
About GLIDE:
GLIDE is a nationally recognized center for social justice dedicated to fighting systemic injustices, creating pathways out of poverty and crisis and transforming lives. Through our integrated comprehensive services, advocacy initiatives and inclusive community, we empower individuals, families and children to achieve stability and thrive. GLIDE is on the forefront of addressing some of society’s most pressing issues, including poverty, housing, homelessness, and racial and social justice. GLIDE’s mission is to create a radically inclusive, just, and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalization. Our core values emerge from GLIDE as a spiritual movement. They are rooted in empowerment.
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