LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Urban League announced its new permanent president and CEO Wednesday.
In an emailed statement, the board of directors for the League announced that Lyndon Pryer was unanimously selected after a "competitive" three-month national search.
Pryor has been with the League since 2015 and has served in the role of interim since March 2023, after former CEO Kish Cumi Price was fired. Over his eight years, and particularly over the last nine months, the League said Pryor has "earned the trust and respect of his colleagues and the community."
Pryor established and lead the community health program "It Starts with Me!" and helped build and grow Louisville's network of community health workers. He's helped establish policy positions, internal data systems, and critical infrastructure support for the League's work.
In addition, he served as the chief engagement officer where he helped lead special projects, oversee all communications areas for the civil rights organization, and worked with community members, partners, and government officials.
Pryor said he's excited to move forward as CEO permanently and is confident that the League will continue to build on the positive work it's already done.
"...No experience has been as personally fulfilling, professionally enriching, or tangibly impactful as my work here in Louisville," he said.
"Until recently, my goal had never been to be a chief changemaker but rather a vital instrument of that change. But this year's events have helped me recognize the value of my unique perspective," Pryor continued. "I deeply understand the micro- and macro-level challenges facing the League, and I have an unwavering commitment to quality results, the trust and skill to lead the talented team in place, and a vision for what lies ahead."
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Before arriving in Louisville, Pryer worked in student development at Texas A&M University.
"When I started as CEO of the Louisville Urban League, Lyndon Pryor was the first person added to the team," Sadiqa Reynolds, former Louisville Urban League President and CEO, said. "Four years ago, when the National Urban League offered CEO training, I nominated him. His star shined even brighter. However, even armed with that certification, when I decided to leave, he did not apply for the job, choosing instead to make space for another Black woman. This was an example of his selfless leadership."
"When it became obvious that Lyndon would need to step in as CEO, he rose to the occasion, navigating troubled waters and calmly leading his team, the donors, and our community through the storm that ensued," Reynolds continued. "He did it with courage and grace and an incomparable love and respect for the people, the movement, and the institution."
The League will host an introductory welcome reception next month.
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