Berkeley DrPH is YA!’s New ED –
Oakland’s nationally recognized, anchor community organization for violence prevention,
intervention and healing appoints the third permanent Executive Director in its 31-year history
Oakland, December 20, 2022 — Youth ALIVE! announced today that Dr. Joseph Griffin, DrPH, MPH has been appointed as its new Executive Director. Dr. Griffin will succeed Anne Marks, who has led the organization since 2010, and assume responsibilities on January 23, 2023.
Dr. Griffin is an experienced nonprofit leader and currently serves as the Director of Strategy, Health Equity and Education at Oakland Thrives. Before this role, Dr. Griffin worked and consulted for Youth ALIVE! for seven years in various roles across its 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. Dr Griffin is a proud alumnus of UC Berkeley, where he received both a Master and Doctorate in Public Health, and holds a BA in American Studies. An East Bay native with a deep commitment to addressing violence as a public health issue, Dr. Griffin was selected because of his extensive knowledge of the field, his unique experience and his unwavering commitment to the Youth ALIVE!’s mission and vision.
“I have known Joe for over a decade, so this feels like something of a full circle moment for me as well as for Youth ALIVE!, where Joe first worked in 2009,” said Board President Angela Jenkins.
“I have known Joe for over a decade, so this feels like something of a full circle moment for me as well as for Youth ALIVE!, where Joe first worked in 2009,” said Board President Angela Jenkins. “In addition to his unique background in local and national direct service, advocacy, training, and research, he is a wonderful, empathetic, intelligent and thoughtful person. Joe is the right fit for our culture, and for this moment.”
“I could not be more thrilled to be succeeded by Joe Griffin at Youth ALIVE!,” said current Executive Director Anne Marks. “I have admired his work, and his character, from near and far. I am excited about the direction he will take this organization, and the life-saving work we will do as a result.”