Digital Divide Nonprofit to Benefit from Workforce Development Leadership

Byte Back, a highly recognized nonprofit that bridges the digital divide in the nation’s capital, is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Lindsey, a nonprofit leader and management expert, will start as Executive Director on September 8.

Byte Back has provided access to technology, computer skills,and career preparation to help underserved and low-income Washington, DC residents since 1997.

“Elizabeth is poised to continue the leadership tradition of Byte Back by guiding a talented team in this exciting stage of the organization’s development, at the start of our 18th year,” Board Chair Keith Clark said.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to join an organization that has positively impacted thousands of lives – from the older students who send an email for the first time to individuals who earn certifications and build meaningful careers,” Lindsey said. “Although technology has become ingrained in every aspect of our daily lives, not all have equal access,” she commented on the importance of Byte Back’s mission in the District.

Prior to this position, Lindsey served as the Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer at Groundswell in Washington, DC. There, she played a major role in the organization’s rapid expansion, similar to the growth that Byte Back has recently experienced. In the past seven years, Byte Back has grown nearly 10-fold in funding, number of clients served, number of class sites, and staff.

“As we begin this new chapter,” Lindsey said, “Byte Back will continue to play a vital role in helping those most vulnerable attain economic independence and stability.”

Lindsey brings important experience in workforce development. She served as a Program Analyst at the DC Department of Employment Services from 2009 to 2011, where she developed extensive workforce training programs in emerging industries such as information technology and health care. Earlier in her career, she focused on economic development and small business development, especially for populations of women and minorities, in the state of New Jersey.

Her professional experience and belief in Byte Back’s mission make her excited “to work with the staff and board of Byte Back to ensure that underserved DC residents are fully equipped to thrive in the changing economy.”

“Byte Back is thrilled to welcome Elizabeth, who stands out as tremendously dedicated to the nonprofit sector and to underserved DC residents,” Clark said.

Lindsey’s appointment comes after a broad search that began when Kelley Ellsworth announced one year ago that she would step down after more than six years as Executive Director, in which she led Byte Back to its current prosperity. Barbara Laur has served as the Interim Executive Director of Byte Back since March.

Lindsey earned a Master’s in Public Affairs and Urban and Regional Planning from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and her Bachelor’s in History and French from Swarthmore College.

Her accolades also show Lindsey’s strengths as an emerging leader. In 2008, she was one of 80 women selected out of a pool of 3,000 applicants in the Women Rule Leadership Competition, attending a three-day training for women leaders sponsored by the White House Project and O Magazine. In 2013, she was selected out of over 40 nominees for a Women’s Information Network award for up-and-coming leaders demonstrating excellence and innovation.

“We are impressed with Elizabeth’s intelligence, creativity, and dedication and are eager to see how she will help shape the strategic vision the board has set out,” Clark said.

MORE INFORMATION
Browse Byte Back’s 2014 Annual Report
Learn more about Byte Back’s positive effects on DC residents and the community in our blog.

ABOUT BYTE BACK, INC:
Byte Back provides access to technology, computer skills, and career services to underserved adults in Washington, DC. By combining free classes with personalized attention, Byte Back graduates gain invaluable skills, experience higher rates of self-confidence, and launch successful new careers. Our program is a long-term solution for many in the District who struggle with underemployment, unemployment, and poverty.