We are very excited to announce that Rian’s board of directors has appointed Jacob Bombard as its next executive director, effective January 9, 2023. Jacob comes to Rian from Catholic Charities of Boston.

We strongly believe that Jacob is the ideal choice to succeed Ronnie Millar. Ronnie has served Rian for nearly twelve years, and during his tenure, the Center has incrementally tripled its budget and staffing as it has grown its programs and partnerships. We are tremendously grateful for all of the work and dedication Ronnie has put into Rian over the past twelve years. We are sad to see Ronnie leave.

Our board believes Jacob will be the right individual to carry Rian into its next chapter. As a native of Boston, he spent four years running the Laboré Center, a $5M organization that serves vulnerable communities, including immigrants, through its comprehensive educational, behavioral and social service programs. He is an experienced fundraiser and a skilled financial manager. Perhaps most importantly, he cares deeply about social justice and its impact on immigrants, and has a Boston network to help Rian keep its mission alive and strong.

After Ronnie announced his intention to step down, the Board created a search committee to find his successor, led by Board Vice President, Kim Borman. The committee retained the executive search firm of Isaacson Miller to conduct a thorough search. Isaacson Miller interviewed key stakeholders, created a profile of the position and then sourced candidates. The vetting of a very strong pool of candidates over the past few months resulted in the selection of Jacob.

Kim notes that Jacob is a great fit for Rian - “Jacob’s work as a division director with responsibility for offering a comprehensive range of educational, behavior and social services to vulnerable communities fits perfectly with Rian’s work. His fundraising experience, use of data analytics to expand services, and advancement of staff who are representative of the communities served also made him a very attractive candidate.”

Jacob says: “I am so grateful to be joining Rian - an organization I have admired for many years. The reputation of Rian, and of its hardworking staff is unparalleled. I believe that Rian’s mission is not just a noble cause, but a moral imperative for everyone who wants to create a society where all are welcome, and all are valued. I am excited to get to work.”

Rian was founded in 1989 as the Emerald Isle Immigration Center by a small group of Irish immigrants, including its first Executive Director, Sister Lena Deevy, LSA. Ronnie succeeded Sister Lena in 2011 and, under his leadership, the Center has become Boston’s Welcome Center for immigrants.

Since it has grown under Ronnie’s leadership, Rian’s legal services now include: free legal consultations to over 2,200 immigrants, as well as full case representation before USCIS for over 600 families. Rian’s education services provide timely and responsive learning opportunities for close to 300 students who gain English language fluency, technology skills and employment opportunities that lead to sustainable living. Rian’s Resource & Support Services offer stability and hope to approximately 350 immigrants and refugees with counseling and case management. Rian maintains a strong connection to Ireland through an international learning exchange program that provides students and graduates of Irish universities the opportunity to gain professional skills and experience as interns with companies throughout the United States.

With gratitude,

Kevin Mawe

Board President

Rian Immigrant Center