GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – June 15, 2021 – The NIA Centre, a nonprofit working to establish an African American cultural center in Grand Rapids, today announced Sierra Hatfield's appointment as executive director. As executive director at NIA Centre, Hatfield will oversee the organization’s daily operations, programming and events as well as develop relationships with donors and community partners.

“As a woman of color from rural Appalachia, I know the value of community and collaboration,” Hatfield said. “Leading the NIA Centre is an opportunity to connect with the West Michigan community and develop resources that enrich lives. I don’t view this position as a job – it’s a partnership with a goal much bigger than any of us.”

The appointment of Hatfield as executive director is the latest NIA Centre milestone in a series of momentous events over the past six months.

In February 2021, the NIA Centre achieved its $50,000 fundraising milestone as part of a matching grant requirement necessary to receive the remaining funds of a $100,000 “The Path Forward” grant from the Grand Rapids Community Foundation.

In November 2020, the nonprofit opened a 1,369-square-foot community engagement center, with support from the Wege Foundation, to serve as an office for NIA Centre staff and board members, co-working and meeting space for its membership and the site for NIA Centre programming and events.

“The NIA Centre and its board of directors are pleased to have Sierra Hatfield serve as the
organization’s first executive director,” said Robert Upton, NIA Centre board chair. “We look forward to having Sierra’s vision and enthusiasm help progress the NIA Centre to the next stage in our movement to establish a world-class African American cultural center in Grand Rapids.”

A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Hatfield earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. She previously served as a policy analyst at The Council of State Government in Lexington, Kentucky, facilitating national programming on behavioral health access, digital connectivity and workforce issues to U.S. state officials.

For NIA Centre information and membership details, visit https://www.niacentregr.org.