Richard Thal ext 231
Executive Director
About Richard Thal
Title: Executive Director
Major areas of responsibility: Strategic Planning, Agency Governance, Board Development, Community Relations, Policy Advocacy, Supervising Management Team, Financial Management and Fundraising
What I feel proud about: All the important work JPNDC has done to transform the community and bring hope and opportunity to many individuals and families. None of this could have happened without tremendous support from many people, which makes whatever we accomplish that much sweeter.
Relevant background: I’ve been active in the community development movement since the late 1970s. Before joining the JPNDC staff, I worked for nine years as Community Development Director and Assistant Director at Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA). As a community organizer on the North Shore, I helped establish two important community-based organizations focusing on economic development and social change: Salem Harbor CDC and Essex County Community Organization (ECCO). I’ve served on many local, state and national boards, including two separate stints as chair of Mass. Association of Community Development Corporations, our statewide CDC association.
Year started at JPNDC: 1994
- What inspires me: People who give their heart and soul to creating what Martin Luther, King, Jr. called “the beloved community.” When I see how much leaders in our organization and other community residents give of themselves year in and year out, the least I can do is work hard.
- What I like: What comes immediately to mind is an expression one of my kids used to use: “yotsa sings” (lots of things). Since I was very young I’ve been a great fan of music, politics and sports and I’m no less fanatic all these years later. I also love talking to people and learning about their backgrounds and sometimes obscure facts about their lives.