Joint Center Celebrates New Senior Leadership Team Hires

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2025

Contact:
Kennedy Fortner, kennedy.fortner@jointcenter.org

Joint Center Celebrates New Senior Leadership Team Hires

Think tank advances its strategic plan with new leadership amid Black Women’s History Month

WASHINGTON —  The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank, welcomes three accomplished individuals to its senior leadership team — Opal Hawkins, chief financial officer, Sophia Kerby, vice president of Government Affairs, and Monica Mitchell, chief of staff.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Opal, Sophia, and Monica to the Joint Center team. Their knowledge will expand the Joint Center’s impact and reach to continue to drive forward meaningful change affecting Black communities,” said Joint Center President Dedrick Asante-Muhammad. “We are well positioned to continue delivering on our mission: to provide compelling and actionable policy solutions that dismantle persistent and evolving barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America. Our work remains essential, and with Opal’s tactical knowledge of organizational financial operations, Sophia’s legislative advocacy and philanthropic background, and Monica’s strategic leadership in programmatic initiatives and operational excellence, we will not only preserve progress but accelerate it. The addition of these three exceptional Black women to the Joint Center’s senior leadership is a major milestone for us, especially amid Black Women’s History Month this April. I’m grateful to have them on the team.”

As Chief Financial Officer, Hawkins oversees all aspects of the organization’s financial operations, including accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, business systems, financing, and human resources. She has been streamlining the Joint Center’s financial processes and ensuring that the Joint Center continues to make strategic financial decisions.

“Over 20 years of my career have been dedicated to the nonprofit sector,” said Chief Financial Officer Opal Hawkins. “The Joint Center’s work is impactful and necessary; and I am so grateful to be a part of such a lovely team, ensuring that I am leading the organization’s financial operations with our mission and long-term goals in mind.”

As Vice President of Government Affairs, Kerby will spearhead the organization’s legislative and advocacy efforts. She will develop and implement comprehensive strategies that influence public policy, and strengthen partnerships.

Vice President of Government Affairs, Sophia Kerby, said “I’m excited to bring my 14 years of experience in legislative advocacy, philanthropy, and governmental relations to the Joint Center and lead a new department to further expand our reach and push our mission of providing actionable policy solutions for Black communities straight to policymakers. The Joint Center has untapped potential in this area, that I am excited to be a part of and guide in the right direction.”

As Chief of Staff, Mitchell’s primary focus encompasses providing strategic leadership for the organization’s research agenda, program initiatives, and operational excellence.

“I’m honored to join an organization deeply committed to advancing the socioeconomic and political well-being of Black Americans,” said Chief of Staff Monica Mitchell. “Drawing on my experience in philanthropic leadership, including overseeing the annual strategic philanthropic investments at one of the nation’s largest corporate foundations, I’m eager to utilize these skills and strengthen the Joint Center’s impact as we expand our reach and influence.”

The Joint Center is also proud to welcome four more members to the broader Joint Center team: Development Director Fatoumata Keita, Special Assistant, Policy Carlton Langford, Senior Researcher LaToya Parker, and Development Associate Jordan Roebuck.

Click here to read their full bios.

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About the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank, provides compelling and actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent and evolving barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America. We are the trusted forum for leading experts and scholars to participate in major public policy debates and promote ideas that advance Black communities. We use evidence-based research, analysis, convenings, and strategic communications to support Black communities and a network of allies.