Dallas nonprofit CitySquare announced that an experienced nonprofit leader in New Mexico will be its next chief executive officer.
Annam Manthiram — currently the CEO of HopeWorks, one of the largest nonprofit homeless service providers in New Mexico — will officially join CitySquare on Aug. 22.
After an extensive, seven-month search across the country, CitySquare says its found its match in Manthiram, who has over two decades of experience and a profound understanding of homelessness-related issues.
CitySquare’s board chair, Lewis Weinger, shared his conviction in the recent appointment calling her “the perfect fit for our organization.”
Manthiram comes equipped with an exceptional track record in program development, fostering a positive culture, and fundraising. Weinger praised her tenacity and commitment, adding, she’s someone who “holds true to her beliefs and purpose and does not withdraw from difficulty.”
The appointment marks a new chapter for CitySquare, with the incoming CEO’s unique skillset and dedication a match for tackling the complex challenges surrounding homelessness, according to the nonprofit.
Hunger, health, housing, and hope
Founded in 1988, CitySquare has grown into a broad nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive array of social services that address four key areas related to the persistence of poverty: hunger, health, housing, and hope.
As CEO, Manthiram will lead the $18 million organization into its 36th year, reaching 65,000 neighbors annually and overseeing the housing, food, and health services that take community members from vulnerability to stability each and every day.
CitySquare says it’s been fortunate to have Mandy Shreve, the organization’s chief administrative officer since 2019, at its helm as interim CEO, according to board chair Lewis Weinger.
Under Shreve’s stewardship, CitySquare has undergone significant transformations to more effectively cater to the rising demand for housing, food, and health services.
In a statement, Weinger shared his appreciation for Shreve’s leadership: “We’re fortunate to have outstanding talent leading CitySquare’s programs and administration and could not have asked for a better interim CEO than Mandy Shreve.”
Among Shreve’s notable achievements is the expansion of the food pantry’s capacity, now able to serve over 300 neighbors daily. Additionally, her efforts have led to the procurement of two significant donations each worth half-a-million dollars, Weinger noted.
Providing ‘a safety net of love and community’
Manthiram comes to Dallas after a nearly 20-year career dedicated to the mission of healing homelessness.
CitySquare said she sharpened her expertise at the AIDS Project Los Angeles and City of Hope Cancer Research Center before moving to Albuquerque where she worked as development director for the Storehouse/Adelante Development Center and Meals on Wheels Albuquerque before joining the HopeWorks team in 2017.
In 2020, Manthiram was named co-CEO and then promoted to CEO in 2021. It was the first time a woman, and person of color, held the position in the 40-year history of the agency.
While there, Manthiram brought in millions of dollars and developed a strong network of support for the agency’s mission to heal homelessness through services including day shelter, housing, behavioral/mental health services, outreach, and case management.
Manthiram, as incoming CEO of CitySquare, expressed her deep gratitude and excitement over her new appointment. She lauds CitySquare’s record of fighting poverty through the cultivation of trust and hope-filled relationships.
In Manthiram’s words, “What drew me to CitySquare is the organization and its leadership’s thoughtful understanding of the systemic and ingrained inequities that keep people, particularly those of color, in poverty and homelessness.”
She shares her personal connection, saying, “As a woman of color and someone with the lived experience of trauma and addiction, I know all too well that the cards are stacked against you if you are born in a marginalized group.”
Manthiram’s past experiences and the supportive community that helped her rise above her circumstances fuel her passion for her new role, making her uniquely equipped to help those facing similar challenges.
“Were it not for a safety net of love and community, who knows where I would be today,” she said.
Manthiram said that “CitySquare provides this net through its myriad services, advocacy efforts, and friendships.”
“Everyone deserves a life filled with purpose and passion.” she said. “My vision is to continue the necessary and critical work of this agency, while also centering the strength, courage, and resiliency of our neighbors and staff.”
Get on the list.
Dallas Innovates, every day.
Sign up to keep your eye on what’s new and next in Dallas-Fort Worth, every day.
R E A D N E X T
-
Are you or your company a leader in innovation? The Innovation Awards celebrates trailblazers and innovators in North Texas. Nominate your organization, a colleague, peer, or yourself—by September 22.
-
Michael McMahan follows Kathleen Gibson as CEO, who spent 10 years at the helm of the foundation. McMahan worked for more than a decade at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. He'll now lead the foundation in its mission to build "a sustainable funding source for innovative research, best-in-class medical education, and the highest standard of treatment and care."
-
Dunnu Devulapally has faced his own struggles with identity issues as a first-generation American as well as with substance abuse. Now he aims to help people facing these and other mental health-related issues by launching NRVE, a Dallas-based research nonprofit. Targeting younger generations, NRVE will focus on awareness in youth, support for veterans, support for homeless people, and research for substance abuse, domestic violence, and suicide prevention. With the information it collects, NRVE plans to become the “Google” for the mental health space, Devulapally told Dallas Innovates.
-
Rajesh Midha, CEO of Dallas-based digital experience consultancy Bottle Rocket, is joining forces with IBM Global Demand VP Ari Sheinkin on a new podcast. Called "Thematically Speaking," the new podcast will feature knowledge and insights gained over decades in the B2B marketing business—discussed "through the lens of various seemingly unrelated themes or stories."
-
Entrepreneur, investor, and corporate governance authority Dennis Cagan shares insights on seldom-taught things an entrepreneur needs to know about equity and governance—before making needless mistakes—in The Shadow CEO startup series. Part 12, the final segment, takes a founder-friendly look at additional equity grants.
