The Boston-based GreenLight Fund recently named Ali Knight as its new chief executive officer (CEO).
Knight comes to the GreenLight Fund from Fresh Lifelines for Youth (FLY), a San Francisco Bay Area nonprofit that focuses its work on at-risk and justice-involved youth. He spent nearly ten years with FLY, most recently as its president and CEO.
Before his long stint with FLY, Knight worked as chief of programs at Youth UpRising in East Oakland, CA. He was also chief program officer at Groundwork, Inc., a community-focused nonprofit whose mission focuses on helping disadvantaged youth get through school and into college.
Knight has served in leadership roles at the Institute for Justice and Opportunity at John Jay College of Criminal Justice — from which has a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology — and at the Vera Institute of Justice. He also earned a master of public administration degree from New York University.
“We’re delighted to have Ali step into the CEO role to guide GreenLight into its next phase of growth and impact,” said John Simon, co-founder and Board Chair of the GreenLight Fund in a press release about the appointment. “His deep social sector experience, community-focused orientation, and commitment to removing barriers, creating opportunities, and unlocking the potential of those most under-resourced, makes him an excellent fit to lead GreenLight.”
Knight will be succeeding co-founder and 20-year CEO Margaret Hall. Under her leadership, the organization grew from just two initial employees to now more than 50, with its investment and grantmaking portfolios making a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of children and families.
Ali Knight begins work leading the GreenLight Fund on May 20, 2024.
