Former CPS Staffer is New Y.O.U. Head
Published: February 23, 2018 Charles Bartling, Evanston Now
Youth & Opportunity United (Y.O.U.) has selected former Chicago Public Schools administrator Maggie Blinn DiNovi as its new CEO, replacing Seth Green, who left the organization last June.
A 1996 graduate of the University of Chicago Law School, DiNovi has worked with foundations and nonprofit organizations for the past 15 years “to recruit, train, and support leadership talent,” the organization said in a news release.
For seven years, she served as executive director of New Leaders for New Schools Chicago and earlier she served as deputy chief officer for Chicago Public Schools’ office of principal preparation and development and as program officer for The Chicago Public Education Fund.
Prior to entering the field of education, she was a consultant for McKinsey & Company and a corporate attorney at Sidley Austin.
“Our goal was to identify a leader who would help realize Y.O.U.’s vision that focuses our primary efforts on post-secondary and life success,” said Tom Scott, CEO Search Committee chairman. “We are pleased to have her join us in strengthening the scope of services through continued staff development and family and community engagement.”
Susan Brenner, president of Y.O.U.’s Board of Directors, said “Maggie DiNovi brings both extensive experience in education and strategic planning to Y.O.U." She added: “I am confident her leadership experience and longstanding dedication to improving the lives of youth will strengthen Y.O.U.’s impact and manage the organization through a period of change and innovation.”
Brenner said that DiNovi’s appointment will be effective on March 26.
DiNovi succeeds Seth Green who led Y.O.U. since May 2011 and announced his decision to step down in June 2017. The search for Y.O.U.’s CEO started soon after and the Board of Directors approved DiNovi’s appointment on February 13.
Established in 1971, Y.O.U. works to ensure every young person has the opportunity to succeed. Y.O.U. partners with families, schools, and community organizations to provide academic, social, and emotional support where it is most needed, closing the gap between youth and opportunity.