SCC Leadership Transition
Since 2020, Gonzalo Puigbo has led Somerville Community Corporation with empathy, community collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to our mission. On August 28, Gonzalo will leave SCC to become the next Executive Director of NewVue Communities, a community development corporation serving 22 municipalities across North Central Massachusetts.
Under Gonzalo’s leadership, SCC built a partnership with Reframe Systems that culminated in the Cross Street modular housing project, opened our Computer Lab and Digital Equity program, launched the Women’s Empowerment Program, and advanced the redevelopment of Clarendon Hill. He also built a strong, connected staff culture that carries this work forward every day. When Gonzalo joined SCC, the organization was facing significant financial distress. Today, SCC stands in a position of strength, with healthy cash reserves, a stable portfolio of 100 homes, and projects in development that will support our continued growth for years to come.
“I am proud to have led this organization with empathy, community collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to our mission,” said Puigbo. “I am deeply grateful to the Somerville community for embracing our work and believing in our vision, and especially thankful for the community’s willingness to support a more diverse staff and to take a chance on a minority candidate to lead this remarkable organization. It has been an honor to serve this community and to work alongside an incredibly dedicated team.”
“We extend our sincere gratitude for Gonzalo’s dedicated service, leadership, and commitment throughout his tenure,” said Board Chair Holly Fox. “His passion and steadfast efforts have made a lasting impact on SCC, its employees, and the communities we serve. We wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.”
As Gonzalo moves on, SCC’s Board of Directors has named Sasha Purpura Interim CEO. Sasha brings more than 15 years of senior nonprofit leadership, including ten years as CEO of Food For Free in Cambridge, where she grew the organization from 4 to 32 staff and from $400,000 to $4.5 million in operating budget while expanding its reach from under 10,000 to over 100,000 people annually. She most recently served as Executive Director of Y2Y Harvard Square and as CEO of Daily Table. She holds an MBA from Antioch University New England and a BS in Computer Science from Boston University.
“We are excited to welcome Sasha Purpura to SCC,” said Fox. “The Board sees her deep ties to the local community, strong commitment to public service, and understanding of the people and neighborhoods we serve as tremendous assets. We are confident that her contributions will help SCC build on its strong foundation and continue to serve and strengthen the community.”
Sasha will lead SCC through this transition while the Board conducts a search for the organization’s next permanent leader.
For 55 years, Somerville Community Corporation has worked to build a just and equitable Somerville through affordable housing development and preservation, economic mobility programs, and community organizing. Questions about this transition can be directed to Lizzie Devane, Director of Communications & Development, at edevane@somervillecdc.org or 978-807-9190.