Louisville Urban League names new president and CEO, replacing Sadiqa Reynolds in November

Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, Louisville Courier Journal
·3 min read
Kish Cumi Price, commissioner of workforce investment with the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, makes remarks during the community discussion on the proposed JCPS student assignment changes at the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Campus in Louisville, Ky. on March 22, 2022.
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The Louisville Urban League has its next president and CEO.

Dr. Kish Cumi Price will lead the West End nonprofit moving forward, organization directors said in a press conference Friday. Her first day on the job will be Nov. 1.

The next leader has big shoes to fill in replacing Sadiqa Reynolds, who announced her pending departure in July for a new role with a New York City-based organization. Her last day on the job is Oct. 31.

“There is no replacing the unique and phenomenal leadership of Sadiqa Reynolds. But there is no question that Kish will forge her own exceptional path and continue to carry this organization to new heights.” Lori Lee, the league's board chair, said at the press conference.

Price is no stranger to the Louisville Urban League. She was the organization's director of education policy and programs from 2019 to 2021 and recently served as commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Workforce Development and special advisor to Gov. Andy Beshear, who described the move as an "incredible decision" by Lee.

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Price is also the founder executive director of the Smoketown Family Wellness. That organization provides health care to children while offering classes to families on topics like exercise and nutrition as well as giving access to healthy food.

"In the words of Gandhi," Beshear said, "she's chosen to be the change she wanted to see in the world."

Price said she was thankful to the people who had helped her on her journey to her new position. Her next step, she said, is getting more familiar with the organization and its current members.

Price was hesitant when Reynolds approached her about applying for the role, she said. But she decided to pursue the position after praying and speaking with her husband, who offered his support.

Reynolds had led the Louisville Urban League for about seven years and was instrumental in bringing the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center – a $53 million track and field facility, learning campus and event venue -- to a long-vacant plot at 30th Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard. It opened last February and recently reached full funding.

Other accomplishments the Louisville Urban League noted when Reynolds announced her retirement included:

Reynolds said Price is "ready" for every part that the job entails. "It is just the honor of my life to be able to pass the baton to you," she said.

The Louisville Urban League says its mission is "to assist African Americans and other marginalized populations in attaining social and economic equality through direct services and advocacy."

"My grandmother used to say 'when you know better, you do better.' We have a lot of people who are knowledgeable and know better, so our call is great to do better," Price said.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kish Cumi Price replacing Sadiqa Reynolds at Louisville Urban League