Community Post

CD resident tapped to lead Urban League

Today’s Seattle Times reports that the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle has chosen CD resident Pamela (Green) Banks as its new leader.

After a national search, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle found its new CEO locally, hiring longtime city employee Pamela Banks to rebuild the civil-rights group.

In a statement, the League touted Banks’ community roots, penchant for getting programs funded and reputation for working with diverse constituencies.

“She’s got a great history in the community. She has a lot of great ideas and enthusiasm,” said Walle Ralkowski, board chairman of the Urban League.

Per the article, Banks was a founding member of the Garfield High School Foundation and served as a board member of the Rainier Valley Chamber of Commerce.  

The selection committee expressed confidence in Banks’ ability to lead the 85-year-old Seattle Chapter, the proud history of which has been tarnished in recent years by its association with the Seattle Public Schools discredited small business program. The league also lost funding for its youth outreach programs, but still runs a foreclosure prevention program.

With the hiring of Banks and the January sale of its headquarters building on 14th and Yesler the League’s Board believes it will be in a better position to regain its historical role in advancing civil rights and the well-being of communities of color in the Northwest.

One thought on “CD resident tapped to lead Urban League

  1. The Urban League made a wise choice in hiring Pamela Banks to head the organization. With a long-time history of support and empowerment of diverse communities, Pamela has the expertise, talents and abilities to restore the Urban League to it’s full potential.
    Congratulations, great move!

    Stephanie Tschida