Interise Names New Chief Executive Officer: Darrell Byers Takes the Helm of National Nonprofit

BOSTON, March 7, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Interise today announced that its board of directors has appointed Darrell Byers as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Byers will assume day-to-day leadership of Interise and succeeds John Belchers, Interim Chief Operating Officer. Previously, Jean Horstman held the position of CEO of Interise.

Byers comes to Interise from Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco where he was Chief Advancement Officer. Previously, Byers held leadership roles at Easterseals Bay Area and Earthjustice. He started his career in Boston working for such institutions as public media stations WGBH and WBUR, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and UMass Boston. He was the recipient of the Eleanor Collier Award from educational organization CASE District 1 for his contribution to his profession.

"Interise knows how to unlock the growth potential of established businesses to change lives and create jobs where they're needed most. The organization is poised to develop its vision of an economy that works for all and build on the tremendous momentum of the past fifteen years, creating jobs in underserved communities," Byers said. "I look forward to using my skills and network to expand Interise's impact, and make a positive difference in historically disadvantaged and low-to-moderate-income communities."

"We are thrilled to have Darrell lead us in this stage of our organization's growth," said Joe Wadlinger, Interise Board Chairman. "Darrell's expertise in working across sectors and with diverse stakeholders is the perfect fit for Interise as we deepen partnerships with a national network of foundations, government agencies, and business associations."

Byers' hiring comes as the organization implements a strategic growth plan that includes expanded partnerships, new product development, as well as an ambitious research agenda.

To date, over 6,000 small businesses have taken Interise's StreetWise 'MBA'™ program in 75+ cities nationwide. In 2017, Interise businesses created jobs at 11x the rate of the private sector, with an average starting salary of $10k above the national average.

With funding from the Kauffman Foundation, Interise will be piloting its signature StreetWise 'MBA'™ program with a Latino focus in a number of cities. In 2019, Interise will also be launching Leadership in Equitable Anchor Procurement (LEAP), an action-research initiative to increase B2B contracts with minority-owned businesses as well as piloting a new program, Grow My People, focused on helping CEOs of small businesses develop their employees' skills.

About Interise
Interise builds inclusive and equitable local economies through small business development, supporting the growth of minority-owned small businesses and small businesses located in low- and moderate-income communities.

Interise's award-winning StreetWise 'MBA'™ uses a peer-learning method to provide business owners with the knowledge, know-how, and networks necessary to achieve financial stability and second-stage growth. As Interise companies grow, they contribute to local job creation and build community wealth. Interise companies historically create new jobs at 5x the rate of the private sector, and are responsible for the creation of over 30,000 new jobs. Interise partners with government agencies, including the Small Business Administration; anchor institutions; and business associations to make locally branded StreetWise 'MBA'™ programs available in 75+ cities, nationwide. Strategic Growth Partners include the Kauffman Foundation, the Surdna Foundation, and the Prudential Foundation.

More information can be found at http://www.interise.org, @StreetWiseMBA, and at http://www.facebook.com/Interise.

SOURCE Interise