The Board of Circles USA is delighted that Kamatara Johnson has accepted our offer to serve as our Executive Director, effective May 13, 2022.

As many of you know, Kamatara is a longtime and cherished member of the Circles family. As part of our search process for the next Executive Director, the Board met face-to-face with Kamatara (yes, even in these days of virtual meetings); reviewed her contributions to Circles and the skills she brings to the organization; and interviewed several references, including Chapter leaders.

In the last four years, Kamatara has excelled in so many ways and is critical to the success of Circles USA going forward. For instance, she has played a major role in the sustainability and growth of Circles chapters through developing core curricula and offering consistency and creativity in our work. She has played significant roles in coordinating our national conference and strategic planning. 

Further, Kamatara is well respected within and outside of the Circles community. She has established trust among our national staff and community of practice, as well as positive relationships with our two former Executive Directors; she is sure to draw on those experiences, as well those of the Board and the Board Advisory Council that will be established in 2022.

We want to again thank outgoing ED Jamie Haft for the important role she has played in solidifying Circles in the past four years and her expressed support of Kamatara’s candidacy for the Executive Director position.

Please join the Circle’s USA Board in welcoming Kamatara Johnson. We look forward to building Circles’ future with Kamatara and you.

Joan A. Kuriansky

Chair

Board of Directors, Circles USA