Dear John, 

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), I am excited to announce the selection of Murad Awawdeh as our next Executive Director. Murad will succeed Steve Choi, who stepped down in September 2020 after 7 years of leading the organization.

Murad first joined the NYIC—the nation’s oldest and largest statewide immigrant rights coalition—in 2014, when he took over leadership of our political and civic engagement work, rising to Executive Vice President (EVP) of Advocacy and Strategy. In 2020, he stepped into the role of interim Co-Executive Director, as the search for the next permanent leader began.

During his tenure as EVP and as interim Co-Executive Director, he has sustained a strong and visible Statewide presence for the NYIC, winning impressive victories for New York's immigrant communities, and is playing an important role, nationally, in the immigrant rights movement. Murad has also played a critical role in consolidating strong partnerships with influential nonprofit organizations, and positioning the NYIC strategically as a national leader in the fight for immigrants’ rights.

As Executive Director, Murad will work closely with staff, members and the NYIC board to ensure the organization can continue to deliver for immigrant and refugee communities across New York State now, and into the future.

The Board remains grateful to Rovika Rajkishun for her leadership and service as interim Co-Executive Director to the NYIC, for the last seven months, and to NYIC’s staff and members who continue to work steadfastly during especially challenging times.

The NYIC is stronger today because of your commitment to standing with immigrants to ensure that every New York family has an opportunity to thrive. Thanks for your continued support!

Si se puede!

In solidarity,  
Guillermo Chacon
Chair, Board of Directors, NYIC