After five and a half years as New Settlement’s Executive Director, Rigaud Noel has announced that he is stepping down as of Friday, March 27, in order to attend to family caregiving responsibilities.
In his time at New Settlement, Rigaud oversaw an expansion of New Settlement’s programming, deepened partnerships, and established a food pantry that now serves between 600 and 800 families each month. He also secured a partnership with Grand Street Settlement to bring a Head Start child care program to the Community Center, which will provide top quality early childhood education to 58 children. Additionally, Rigaud guided New Settlement through a full organizational rebranding—culminating in the adoption of our new tagline, Building Equitable Futures, and a refreshed mission statement that reflects our values, aspirations, and the communities we serve. We are so thankful to Rigaud for his leadership.
“I will forever be grateful for my time at New Settlement and for each of you,” said Rigaud Noel, outgoing Executive Director. “Thank you for the incredible memories, the hard work, and the commitment you bring to our community every day. New Settlement is in great hands with Kelly and the New Settlement leadership team.”
Graikelis (“Kelly”) Morales will serve as New Settlement’s Acting Executive Director while we search for an interim and then permanent new Executive Director. Kelly is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Settlement Housing Fund, an affiliate of New Settlement. Kelly has over 30 years of leadership experience at RiseBoro Community Partnership, with a focus on finance, operations, human resources, and New York City community programs, and will be an expert steward of New Settlement as we navigate this transition. Kelly will work closely with Nina Simone Stovel, Associate Executive Director, and the New Settlement executive team and staff.
“I started my career in community service through the DYCD-funded Summer Youth Employment Program at RiseBoro,” said Kelly Morales, Acting Executive Director.“ It is now my privilege to lead New Settlement while we search for long-term leadership. I look forward to working with the incredible staff and partners to ensure New Settlement continues to thrive.”
Chuck Warren, Board Chair of both New Settlement and Settlement Housing Fund, said, “On behalf of the Board, we are deeply grateful to Rigaud Noel for his years of dedicated leadership and service to New Settlement and the New Settlement Community. As we move into this next chapter, we are confident that Graikelis (Kelly) Morales will provide strong, thoughtful leadership as Acting Executive Director, ensuring continuity and stability during this transition.”