Welcome Nneka Payne, CHOOSE 180's new Executive Director!
We are excited to announce Nneka Payne (she/her) is CHOOSE 180’s new Executive Director, and she starts today, January 8, 2024.
Nneka Payne is a relationship-focused and mission-driven leader, Nneka holds a dynamic background spanning a decade across community-based organizations, human services, and the legal system. Rooted in her firsthand experiences with the King County juvenile legal system, the mission of CHOOSE 180 is deeply personal for her. Through her career as a paralegal, she witnessed how the strain between systems, processes, and people created significant gaps and limited opportunities. Having held diverse leadership positions at community-based organizations, most recently as the inaugural Deputy Chief Operating Officer for the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, Nneka has consistently prioritized cultivating stakeholder engagement, enhancing program services, and fostering collaborative accountability.
Nneka is humbled to continue the trailblazing work in system transformation, community accountability, and the limitless possibilities it can create for young people. Her passion for fostering positive change and empowering the next generation underscores her commitment to creating a brighter, more equitable future.
“Joining the CHOOSE 180 crew is a true honor. This organization is a game changer in transforming our community and elevating the experiences of young people impacted by oppressive and unjust systems. Together, we will continue to explore new possibilities through healing, accountability and collective action,” said Nneka.
A search committee, consisting of CHOOSE 180 team members and members of the board of directors, collaborated with Diversity Recruiters on this executive search. Tascha R. Johnson has served as the Interim Executive Director since Sean Goode transitioned to The Seattle Foundation in early 2023. We want to express our deep gratitude and appreciation to Tascha Johnson for stepping up to the leadership need and serving as Interim ED last year.
“I’m happy to begin this next chapter with CHOOSE 180. It is with renewed energy and innovative ideas that we offer our young people alternatives to a carceral system and opportunities to discover that there’s something great out there for them. And with our support and the support of their community, we can get there - together,” said Tascha.