West Side Forward and Board of Directors announce the appointment of
Roxanne Charles to President
(CHICAGO March 31, 2023) –
West Side Forward and its Board of Directors announced today the appointment of Roxanne Charles to President effective April 1, 2023.
Ed Coleman will serve as the Chief ExecutiveOfficer and member of the Board of Directors. In this role Coleman will continue driving local investment initiatives that build wealth for west side residents and businesses, leading and participating in collaborative initiatives, while providing thought leadership through tenure on governmental and organizational boards.
Charles has served as Chief Engagement Officerfor West Side Forward since its inception in August 2019 and has led the Economic Development, Human Resources, and Administration teams in that time.
“I have seen the evolution of West SideForward and its impact on the communities throughout Chicago and am personally proud to have served with both Ed and Roxanne to help support the entrepreneurs of the west side of Chicago, said Vasco Bridges, Chair of West Side Forward’s
Board of Directors. Now at this time, I am excited to support Roxanne's vision for the future of West Side Forward.”
“Roxanne has been invaluable to West SideForward through her multifaceted leadership of economic development iniatives and administration. The organization is in good hands with Roxanne assuming the position of President”, said Coleman. “Chicago’s West Side communities - defined asAustin, East and West Garfield Park, North Lawndale, and Humboldt Park - are among the most disinvested in the city,” Coleman explained. “West Side residents must be prepared for careers and entrepreneurship opportunities in the industry sectors that are accessible and promise both growth over the next decade and that pay a living wage that allows them to improve their standard of living.”
Learn more about the West Side Forward at www.westsideforward.org
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About West Side Forward
West SideForward is focused on delivering community transformation through business development, workforce development, and industrial development advocacy on the west side of Chicago. Through acommunity-driven, regionally connected ecosystem of opportunities, West Side Forward, is driving the attraction of sustainable, living wage jobs and the creation of entrepreneurship opportunities in industry sectors traditionally lacking diversity and inclusivity. Annually West Side Forward provides
opportunities for individuals and families to invest in themselves through career preparation, elevation, and fulfillment in high demand high potential industries paying living wages, as well as job and income creation based on business ownership and management.