Five years ago I was selected as MRG’s ‘next’ executive director. I was chosen to honor the past and to lead us boldly into the future. While at MRG I’ve promoted the power of critical thinking, pushed bold programming, and introduced powerful community conversations. I’ve worked with smart and creative staff, board, and community members to expand our grantmaking focus, build new relationships with our funder colleagues, further elevate our racial justice lens, and introduce Oregon’s best kept secret to new partners locally and across the country.
We have elevated the voices of Oregonians and stepped up during challenging times, but there is still work to be done. The legacy of racism continues to fuel the bigotry, hate, and divisiveness in our state and the work of advancing racial and social justice requires a leader with a strong, calming style who knows when we need to step up.
I am thrilled to introduce you to Roberta Phillip-Robbins, MRG’s new Executive Director, who embodies these characteristics and will help us to explore and reach towards what’s next for our social justice foundation. Roberta’s rich experience in the criminal justice movement along with her strong and process focused leadership style will allow her to ignite the energy and expertise of our staff and community and find the right moments to effectively step-up and push.
Join me, MRG’s Board of Directors, and our staff to welcome Roberta Phillip-Robbins as our next!
-Sharon Gary-Smith
I am honored and humbled to be the next Executive Director of MRG Foundation. I have seen firsthand that so much of the work done by social and racial justice organizations in the state of Oregon is touched in some way by MRG. When you talk about equity and justice in the state, all roads lead to MRG. I am grateful to be a part of this important work.
As I step into the role of our next, I will stay true to the vision and values MRG’s founders outlined on the banks of the McKenzie River 40 years ago. I will work to build our future by leading with a strong vision, which includes building new relationships and further exploring the intersections of oppression. MRG is a catalyst for change-making work in Oregon and will continue to be a leader in both the social justice movement and the philanthropic community.
-Roberta Phillip-Robbins
