Introducing Dr. Joseph Griffin
Dear Friends of Youth ALIVE!,
Today, we are writing to share the exciting news that our Board of Directors has appointed Youth ALIVE’s new Executive Director, Dr. Joseph Griffin, DrPH, MPH, in a unanimous vote. This hire comes after an extensive search process.
Dr. Griffin is an experienced nonprofit leader and longtime supporter of Youth ALIVE!. He is currently serving as the Director of Strategy, Health Equity, and Education at Oakland Thrives. Before this role, Dr. Griffin (pictured below) worked and consulted for Youth ALIVE! for seven years in various roles across our Teens on Target, Caught in the Crossfire, Advocacy for Change, Counseling, and Violence Interruption programs. Additionally, he has worked in community-based nonprofits, healthcare, and higher education. An East Bay native with a personal and professional commitment to addressing violence as a public health issue, he was selected for this position because of his extensive knowledge of the field, his unique experience, and his deep commitment to Youth ALIVE!’s mission and vision.
I have known Dr. Griffin – Joe – for over a decade, so this feels like a full circle moment for me and for Youth ALIVE!, where Joe first worked in 2009. In addition to his unique background of local and national experience in direct service, advocacy, training, and research, I can vouch for what a wonderful, empathetic, intelligent, and thoughtful person he is.
Dr. Griffin will be joining some events and planning meetings so he can hit the ground running when he officially starts full-time in late January. He will overlap with our departing Executive Director, Anne Marks, for a few weeks to ensure a smooth transition.
We are thrilled to have Dr. Griffin join Youth ALIVE! and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership together.
In community,
Angela Jenkins
Board President