Ellie Emanuel, Board Chair
Metropolitan Center for Independent Living
503 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55101
The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) is thrilled to announce the hiring of Jesse Bethke Gomez as the new Executive Director effective February 9, 2015. Jesse brings extensive and profound leadership experience and success having most recently served as Vice President of University Planning and Advancement at Metropolitan State University. Prior to his position at Metropolitan State University, Jesse served as President of CLUES, (Comunidades Latinas En Servicio). During his 16 years as President CLUES grew to be nationally recognized agency for their work in responsive health care including behavioral health to newcomer communities, help 9,000 job seekers obtain employment and grew client visits by a factor of 5 to over 38,000 visits annually. One of the highlights of his time at CLUES was their new building that is co-located with the Mexican Consulate.
“Jesse brings unparelled leadership in nonprofit administration combined with a commitment to lead MCIL in new directions and community partnerships to advance the lives of all people with disabilities throughout Minnesota.” stated Ellie Emanuel, Board Chair.
“Jessie’s numerous awards and educational background are equally impressive.” added Emanuel. He is currently serving on the Minnesota Judicial Selection Commission following his appointment by the Minnesota State Supreme Court and by the Honorable Chief Justice Lorie S. Gildea. He is listed among the “100 Influential Healthcare Leaders in Minnesota” by the Minnesota Physicians Publication and was among the 100 leaders who participated in the first Hispanic Policy Summit held by the White House in 2011.
He currently holds a Masters of Management and Administration degree specializing in strategic leadership from Metropolitan State University and a national Kellogg Fellow, alumnus from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill as an Emerging Leader in Public Health.
“It is truly a great honor to be selected as the next Executive Director for Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, whose Board of Directors, and staff are deeply dedicated to making an extraordinary difference for all who are served by this most impressive and important organization. I am looking forward to working with the Board, staff and all who contribute to the success of MCIL.” added Bethke Gomez.
