National

Center for Native American Youth seeks new executive director

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Erin Bailey, front row in red, is pictured here with retired Sen. Byron Dorgan, third from right, Center for Native American Youth board member Allison Binney, far right, and Native youth. Photo from CNAY

A leadership transition is underway at the Center for Native American Youth, the groundbreaking non-profit that has helped raise the profile of issues facing American Indian and Alaska Native youth.

After five years as executive director, Erin Bailey will be leaving the post at the end of the year. But she isn't going too far -- she will move to the center's board of advisors and executive committee.

"Erin's energy, commitment, and passion for serving Native American children and working alongside underserved Native communities has been and will continue to be invaluable to CNAY," retired Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota), who founded the center, said today ."Her work over the last five years has made CNAY successful and set the organization on a path that guarantees its positive impact on the lives of Native American children for many years to come."

In addition to developing its own programs, CNAY has been a key partner in Generation Indigenous, the Native youth initiative launched by President Barack Obama last year. As part of the effort, over 1,000 youth attended the historic White House Tribal Youth Gathering in Washington, D.C., in July.

"I am proud of all CNAY has accomplished and incredibly grateful for the time I have had to work with our team, including the staff and board. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to connect with Native youth, their families and communities, many of whom have become members of my family," said Bailey, who is stepping down to spend more time with her immediate family in Minnesota.

CNAY will be seeking a new leader in consultation with its executive committee and the Aspen Institute, where the organization is based in D.C. A job search has already begun.