The LEAH Project Hires New Director!
February 7, 2024
The LEAH Project, a program of Health Resources in Action (HRiA), is thrilled to announce that Martine François has been named as the LEAH Project’s Director effective on February 16, 2024. After a thorough and inclusive selection process that utilized the expertise of the search firm Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group (NPAG), as well as diverse stakeholders including LEAH Youth Leaders, Martine was unanimously chosen as the best fit for this critical leadership role.
Martine François has over a decade of experience in youth development across diverse settings. Most recently, Martine directed Salem State University's TRIO Student Support Services program, which enhances college access for first-generation, low-income students. Additionally, Martine has developed science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and social justice initiatives for middle school students and has provided mentorship to foster youth development and empowerment. Martine is deeply committed to supporting underrepresented individuals in their educational journey and has earned an undergraduate and Master’s Degree in Higher Education in Student Affairs from Salem State University.
"LEAH's mission to cultivate youth empowerment and academic success speaks to my core values,” Martine said. “I'm honored to step into the Director role, where I look forward to contributing to this transformative work firsthand, working alongside an incredible team to drive positive change."
"The LEAH Advisory Board is very excited to have Martine on board!,” said Brandon Morgan and Christian Williams, Co-Chairs. “Her passion for the STEM field, her excellence in nonprofit management, as well as her commitment to seeing young people succeed make her a great fit for the LEAH Director position."
"Martine is the embodiment of LEAH and HRiA,” said HRiA’s CEO Steve Ridini. “Her vision, passion, experience working with young people, commitment to equity, and love of science make her the ideal person to lead LEAH. I'm excited to see the pathway she creates so all LEAH students see the field of science as a viable and accessible professional path."
Eric Gurna, who has served as LEAH’s Interim Director since May 2023, will stay on as Senior Advisor through the end of March, in order to ensure a smooth transition to Martine in the permanent role.
