AVENUES FOR JUSTICE’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPOINT FORMER CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, ELIZABETH FREDERICK, AS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AVENUES FOR JUSTICE’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPOINT FORMER CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, ELIZABETH FREDERICK, AS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Elizabeth Frederick to take over from the former Executive Director and AFJ Co-Founder Angel Rodriguez

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(New York, NY, May 28, 2024) – Avenues for Justice (AFJ), a pioneering nonprofit organization dedicated to juvenile justice and Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) programs, and currently celebrating “45 Years of Second Chances,” is pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth (Liz) Frederick as its new Executive Director. Liz Frederick, who previously held the role of Chief Operating Officer since January 2020, has been with AFJ for 18 years. Bringing extensive experience and a profound commitment to the organization’s mission, she will help continue the work of the former Executive Director and AFJ Co-Founder, Angel Rodriguez, who has dedicated four decades to providing second chances to young people who otherwise would have been caught in the criminal justice system and bettering the lives of hundreds of Participants throughout NYC in the process.

"I am so grateful to our supportive board, Angel, and our AFJ team for trusting me to serve and lead. Mostly, I'm excited for the work we will do together to serve even more young people and to provide a path forward for our Participants,” says Liz Frederick. “I'm ready to get to work and provide second chances.”

"I am proud to have Liz continue AFJ's 45-year legacy of service for some of the City's most vulnerable youth,” says AFJ Co-Founder and President, Angel Rodriguez. “Liz cares deeply about everyone we serve, and she lives the mission. I am confident that AFJ’s work will continue to grow under her leadership.”

Since joining AFJ in 2006, Liz Frederick has played a key role in securing new funding, expanding program services, and achieving financial stability for Avenues for Justice. Under her leadership as Chief Operating Officer, AFJ’s budget has doubled, and the organization’s impact has expanded to serve a record-breaking number of Participants through AFJ’s online and onsite HIRE Up platforms. With an impressive background in nonprofit management and criminal justice reform, Liz Frederick holds a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication, Learning & Design from Ithaca College.

AFJ’s Board Chair Alanna Rutherford stated: “The Board is excited for Liz to build and expand upon the strong foundation of AFJ’s programming providing a safe space for underprivileged youth to find their path to a brighter and better future.”

As Executive Director, Liz Frederick will be at the heart of AFJ's community-driven approach, helping craft a cohesive vision that resonates with board, the team at AFJ and the hundreds of Participants they serve annually. In her role, she will build upon the 45-year legacy of Angel Rodriguez and continue to foster a nurturing and uplifting environment, facilitating opportunities for young people to have a second chance at success.

Working alongside the board and team of twelve staff members, Liz Frederick will help prioritize holistic support through enrichment programming, such as AFJ’s HIRE Up program, that focuses on longevity and sustainability. She will also work closely with the Chief Program Officer, Gamal Willis, to guide court advocacy and wraparound services, ensuring the needs of each and every Participant are met both in the courtroom and outside. Beyond the walls of AFJ, Liz Frederick aims to encourage advocacy through building relationships with community members and external stakeholders, securing resources that keep the mission of AFJ thriving.

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