WASHINGTON (Oct. 9, 2024) - Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) is honored to announce several key updates to its Board of Directors, including the appointment of Larry Bartlett, who directed the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for the U.S. Department of State for more than 15 years, and the appointment of Marie Martinez Israelite to Board Chair.
Under Mr. Bartlett’s leadership of USRAP at the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), one million refugees were resettled, and he played a key role in the resettlement to U.S. communities of 80,000 Afghans evacuated during Operation Allies Welcome. Mr. Bartlett brings more than 30 years of leadership in global humanitarian programs, leading critical humanitarian efforts in Syria and Turkey, and earning him the Secretary of State’s Career Achievement Award and two Presidential Rank Awards.
"We are thrilled to welcome Larry to our Board as the number of forcibly displaced persons around the globe continues to grow – peaking at a high of 120 million people this year according to the United Nations Refugee Agency," said Kristyn Peck, LSSNCA CEO. "Under Larry’s leadership, the USRAP was rebuilt after being dismantled during the previous administration, welcoming a historic 100,000 refugees in Fiscal Year 2024 – the most it has in three decades,” she said. “Larry’s experience will be instrumental in informing LSSNCA’s strategy for continuing its legacy of welcome in the DMV for years to come.”
“I am honored to join the LSSNCA board to help further their work on behalf of refugees and immigrants,” noted Bartlett. “LSSNCA is critical in my hometown region in helping refugees and other newcomers successfully transition to their new lives in the United States. With their dedicated staff, volunteers and other strong local supporters, I know we can continue to improve and expand our work in the national capital area.”
In addition to Mr. Bartlett’s appointment, LSSNCA is pleased to announce that Marie Martinez Israelite has been elected as the new Chair of the Board. Ms. Martinez Israelite, former director of victim services at the Human Trafficking Institute, brings more than 20 years of experience in developing, implementing, and monitoring government-funded human service programs, including leading the development of the Department of Justice’s first grant program for services to survivors of human trafficking. She also served as section chief of the Victim Assistance Program at Homeland Security.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Board of an organization that provides critical services to refugees seeking safety and community here in the capital area,” emphasized Martinez Israelite. “We have a strong and committed Board and it’s an honor to support Kristyn and her incredible team as they continue the vital work of providing the long welcome to newcomers.”
Patrice Gancie has been elected as Vice Chair. Ms. Gancie’s background in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and advocacy is an asset as LSSNCA focuses on increasing and diversifying partnerships to further its sustainability. Ms. Gancie previously served as Board Secretary and is one of LSSNCA’s most active and long-standing volunteers with our TEA Club (Training for Employment and Adjustment) for refugee women.
Syed Hyat, a principal at a Fortune 500 financial services firm who specializes in risk management and corporate governance, joined the Board in July and will serve as Board Secretary. Melanie Armstrong, former PwC partner and senior executive, continues her role as Treasurer, providing continuity and financial oversight during this leadership transition.
We also want to extend our welcome to Marissa Padilla, executive vice president at Global Strategy Group who joined the Board in July bringing nearly two decades of experience in strategic communications and media relations.
"We are incredibly grateful for the expertise and experience of our diverse and talented Board of Directors,” said Peck. "LSSNCA’s work of welcome has never been so consequential with rising conflicts around the globe and increasing anti-immigration rhetoric. Our Board’s collective leadership experience in government, nonprofits, finance, risk management, and strategic communications strengthens our ability to advance our mission to accompany those in need to foster resiliency, self-sufficiency, and access to opportunities by creating, connecting with, and engaging welcoming communities.”
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About Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA):
Since 1917, Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), a human services and immigration relief and refugee welcome agency, has accompanied those in need throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. to foster resiliency, self-sufficiency, and access to opportunities. We provide services that last beyond the initial arrival for families, youth, children, and individuals rebuilding their lives in the D.C. metro area.
Motivated daily by our belief in the inherent dignity of all, LSSNCA’s innovative participant-informed programs serve refugees, forced migrants, immigrants, children and youth, and underserved communities by filling in the gaps. Piloting initiatives like the area’s first camp for kids impacted by the HIV/AIDS crisis, originating local pro se asylum workshops for Afghan Allies, launching a Resource Center to serve as a community hub for all recently arrived program participants, and offering myriad trauma-informed mental health support services, LSSNCA strives to create an inclusive community of well-being where people thrive.
Media Contact:
Hirut Gebretsadik, LSSNCA Manager, Communications
