Leon T. Andrews, Jr.
The Equal Measure Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the appointment of Leon T. Andrews, Jr. as its next President & Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2021. Leon brings to Equal Measure more than 25 years of policy, management, and leadership experience, most recently as the inaugural leader of the National League of Cities’ Race, Equity, And Leadership (REAL), which started as a CEO initiative and became a department within the organization. Andrews succeeds Meg Long, who served as President for seven years, and was an Equal Measure team member for 17 years. Long announced her transition from Equal Measure in February 2020.
“Leon is a dynamic leader with a longstanding record as a collaborator and innovator,” said Jason Ingle, Equal Measure Board Chair. “His extensive and accomplished background in federal and local government, philanthropy, academia, and community and youth development is exceptional, and we are very excited about the opportunities to broaden Equal Measure’s impact. The knowledge and experience Leon brings will continue to enhance Equal Measure’s work in strategy, evaluation, capacity building, technical assistance, and communications.”
As the founder of REAL, Andrews led NLC’s strategy to help its members respond to racial tensions in their communities and address the historical, institutional, and systemic barriers that further inequity and racism in our nation’s cities. During his time at NLC, where he also served as program director and senior fellow for NLC’s Institute for Youth, Education & Families, Andrews raised and managed over $25 million from foundations and corporate partners and provided direction to city officials and community leaders around the country on strategies for health and wellness, youth and workforce development, education reform, and civic engagement.
“While Leon’s presence will be greatly missed at the National League of Cities, I can’t think of a better fit for his passion and leadership,” shared Clarence Anthony, NLC Executive Director and CEO. “His commitment to racial equity, youth development and cities, generosity with his knowledge and experience, and thoughtful and innovative leadership will have a great impact on Equal Measure’s commitment to social justice.”
“Equal Measure has such a rich history of working with organizations throughout the social sector to help them achieve transformational change, and to do so with a deep commitment to its core values,” said Andrews. “That was such a powerful attraction for me. I can’t wait to join my Equal Measure colleagues, and our clients and partners, as we work together to build on a legacy of significant accomplishments and further amplify our collective voices and talents.”
Prior to his tenure at the National League of Cities, Andrews completed a research fellowship at The Forum for Youth Investment. He has also worked with the United States Department of Justice, United States Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, the United States Public Interest Research Group, the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, YouthBuild Pittsburgh, the Development Corporation of Columbia Heights, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and as an adjunct professor in the Department of Political Science at Eastern Michigan University. He has served as Board Chair for the National Recreation and Parks Association and ChangeLab Solutions.
Along with his significant professional accomplishments, Leon brings to Equal Measure a compelling personal story that serves as the foundation for his lifelong focus on racial equity and community impact. He is a first generation American, whose grandmother, mother, and father moved to the U.S. from Guyana in the 1960s. Growing up in Washington, D.C., he developed a passion for football, playing the violin, and attended Howard University. He attributes those formative years, along with his time at Howard, to shaping his passion for building and sustaining communities. He lives with his wife, Dr. Kristine Andrews, and their three daughters, in the house he grew up in.”
Please join the Equal Measure Board and team in welcoming Leon Andrews.