We are pleased to announce an exciting new chapter in the leadership of The Guibord Center. It is with great enthusiasm that we introduce the Reverend Kathy Cooper Ledesma as our new Executive Director.
Rev. Kathy brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership, interfaith work, and community-building. We are confident that her leadership will continue to strengthen our mission and enhance our impact.
An ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, Rev. Kathy’s career has been defined by pastoring to our most vulnerable communities. For the past 18 years, she served as the senior pastor of the Hollywood United Methodist Church (known for the two large AIDS ribbons on its tower) with unparalleled dedication and vision, and has been deeply involved in serving unhoused residents in the community. Prior to her work in Hollywood, she served as the Southern California staff of the California Council of Churches, Executive Director of the Interfaith Hunger Coalition, and led a bilingual church in Highland Park.
A long-time friend and colleague of the late Rev. Dr. Gwynne Guibord, Rev. Kathy exemplifies the courage and compassion needed to lead The Guibord Center into the future. She believes in embracing a spirituality that transcends all faith traditions and seeking the sacred among all people.
Rev. Kathy will be working closely with me as I continue in the role of President. As she takes on the day-to-day operations of The Guibord Center, I will be focused on our programming, outreach, and creative projects. Together, we will collaborate to build upon the foundational principles that have guided the organization. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring to grow and expand our reach in meaningful ways.
We are grateful for the continued support of our community during this transition. You will have an opportunity to meet Rev. Kathy at our upcoming Annual Dinner (details to follow soon) and you will be hearing from her directly in the coming weeks. To read Rev. Kathy’s full bio, please click here.
In gratitude,
Dr. Lo Sprague