Community Corner

YWCA of Greater Atlanta Appoints Interim CEO

Gowens, the current chairman of the board of the YWCA of Greater Atlanta and board member since 2009, replaces former CEO Justine Boyd

, whose mission is to empower women, eliminate racism and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all, today announced that it has appointed Sharmen Gowens as its interim CEO.

Gowens, the current chairman of the board of the YWCA of Greater Atlanta and board member since 2009, replaces former CEO Justine Boyd who has accepted an opportunity with another Atlanta non-profit.  

Jackie Parker, president of the Newell Rubbermaid Foundation and vice chairman of the board of the YWCA of Greater Atlanta, will serve as chairman of the board.

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Prior to accepting this role, Gowens was the community relations manager for lifestyle marketing agency Liquid Soul Media where she worked closely with nationwide community leaders to engage them in community-related projects. Gowens also held numerous positions at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution including community engagement manager where she managed the company’s community relations initiatives and programs.

"Sharmen is a seasoned professional with more than 33 years of business and community expertise. She has a proven track record of supporting and enriching the Atlanta community," Parker said.  "We are thrilled to have her on board as the interim CEO and look forward to the success she will bring to the YWCA of Greater Atlanta."

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Justine Boyd, a community leader who served as the organization’s CEO for the last eight years, will end her post on August 22.  She has been a major force behind the YWCA of Greater Atlanta and will leave a legacy of excellence and empowerment for women and their families.

During her tenure, Boyd increased program effectiveness and capacity, co-created Women History Month Fireside Chats with the Department of Labor Women’s Bureau, and established the first endowment in the history of the YWCA of Greater Atlanta (Bettie Brand Mothers’ Endowment Fund).  Under her leadership, the organization won the prestigious YWCA Racial Justice Hallmark award. 

An executive search committee is currently in place to lead the search for the new CEO while Gowens serves as interim.   


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