Maria Ligus has a Master of Education in Integrated Studies from Cambridge College (Counseling & Psychology, and Management). She has been employed by the New North Citizens’ Council for 32 years. During her employment she has held most positions in all of the programs within the agency and held the position of Chief Operating Officer for 15 years. In 2012, she was selected as Interim Executive Director for New North Citizens’ Council and subsequently selected as the Executive Director in 2013. She has extensive experience in programs planning, evaluation, and fiscal management over $5 million dollars. She has substantial experience in providing overall management and staff supervision for the past 32 years. She is highly qualified and experienced working with the Latino and African American community and as a Latina demonstrates cultural competency.

Jose Claudio has been working with NNCC for the past 22 years, currently he serves as Chief Operations Officer for New North Citizens Council. NNCC provides comprehensive bilingual family support services throughout Hampden County, with a focus on the North End community of Springfield. Jose leads NNCC’s coordination and outreach work as the anchor institution for MassMutual’s Live Mutual Project in Springfield’s North End neighborhood.

Jose has received national recognition for his community organizing work, including the Springfield C3 Policing and Safe Neighborhood Initiative, and founding of both the North End Housing Initiatives and Latino Leadership Council of Springfield. He previously served as Mayoral Aide for the City of Springfield. Born in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, Jose moved to Springfield in 1964. After studying theology and counseling at Hartford Seminary, he later completed a fellowship in urban development at MIT and studies in nonprofit management at Suffolk University.

Joesiah Gonzalez

Chief of Development & Programs

Phone 413.455.2132

Fax 413.737.2321

joesiahg@newnorthcc.org