Greater Washington Urban League names Hanna Tessema acting programs chief

The Greater Washington Urban League has appointed Dr. Hanna Tessema as acting chief of programs and impact, effective Oct. 5, 2026. The move puts a longtime GWUL health leader in charge of aligning the nonprofit’s program teams and sharpening how it measures results across the Washington region.

Why it matters: - Dr. Hanna Tessema will help shape how the Greater Washington Urban League coordinates programs across health, education, economic opportunity and civic engagement. - GWUL is putting a leader with deep evaluation and partnership experience in a role meant to improve program quality, growth and impact measurement. - The appointment could affect how the nonprofit serves individuals, families and communities throughout the region.

What happened: - The Greater Washington Urban League announced Oct. 7, 2026, that Dr. Hanna Tessema is now Acting Chief of Programs & Impact. - The appointment took effect Oct. 5, 2026. - Dr. Faith Gibson Hubbard, GWUL’s interim president and CEO, said Tessema has shown exceptional leadership across the organization.

The details: - In the new role, Tessema will work across GWUL’s program teams to strengthen collaboration and connect initiatives more tightly. - The job includes advancing program quality and growth while improving how GWUL measures, understands and communicates impact. - Tessema will work with program leaders to identify shared goals and opportunities. - Her leadership is expected to help align GWUL’s programs and expand how the organization serves the region. - Tessema has led GWUL’s Family Wellness Center and signature initiatives including Black Fatherhood Blueprint and Birthing Black. - GWUL said Tessema will serve in the acting role for six months. - During that period, GWUL will continue refining the position to fit program priorities and organizational needs. - After six months, Tessema is expected to move into the role permanently.

Between the lines: - The appointment suggests GWUL wants more coordination across its programs, not just isolated project management. - Placing a public health practitioner with evaluation and community engagement experience in the role signals a heavier focus on data, learning and outcomes. - The permanent conversion after six months indicates GWUL sees the acting appointment as a trial period with a likely long-term fit.

What's next: - Tessema will start by building stronger connections across GWUL’s program teams and refining shared priorities. - GWUL will use the six-month acting period to define the position more precisely. - Tessema is slated to become the permanent chief after the acting term ends.

The bottom line: - GWUL is elevating an internal leader to tighten program alignment and deepen measurable impact across its core work.