La Luz Center hires new interim director

Anita Templer started last week as the La Luz Center’s interim executive director, taking the reins from longtime director, Ellen LaBruce. Templer will be working with the board of directors to evaluate options for the nonprofit moving forward. Board members plan to hold off a search for a new executive director for several months until they’ve organized and fleshed out a job description.
“As we consider all the options and opportunities available to La Luz Center in 2009, the organization required a unique combination of management expertise, vision and compassion in the person at the helm,” said Stephen Dale, the nonprofit’s board president. “Anita is a natural leader and has a wealth of experience in organization development fundraising and strategic planning.”
La Luz is a resource center for the local Latino community founded by Ligia Booker about 20 years ago. Ellen LaBruce led the center as executive director for 13 years. La Luz develops intercultural appreciation through events and programs, makes sure community members are connected to the basic resources they need and offers classes developing individual skills.
“A vital component of a healthy community is the ability for all residents to be able to participate fully in the social and economic environment in which they live,” said Templer. “I deeply appreciate the opportunity to work with the staff and board of La Luz Center in their efforts to contribute to the quality of life in Sonoma Valley.”
Born in London and educated in Europe, Templer has served in the roles of nonprofit director, board member, donor, volunteer and consultant for many years. She has worked with nonprofits focused on a variety of issues: helping at-risk teens, immigrant self-sufficiency, diabetes and cerebral palsy.
Most recently, she provided executive leadership to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Sonoma County, facilitating the merger of three youth service organizations into one strong entity, thus better maximizing resources to make a greater impact. This work followed multi-year stints at Boys & Girls Clubs in Healdsburg and in Windsor, and consulting projects with a variety of Bay Area nonprofit organizations.