Deborah Marton to Step Down as Executive Director
July 1, 2024
Over five years, Deborah led Van Alen through a mission shift to create equitable cities through inclusive design, and created new programs that make it easier for communities to shape places where they live.
Sharing some big (but bittersweet!) news — Our executive director Deborah Marton has decided to step down, come this August. We’re going to miss her fiercely, but know she’ll do great things as she focuses on her work with the New York City Public Design Commission.
Over five years, Deborah led Van Alen through a mission shift to create equitable cities through inclusive design, and created new programs that make it easier for communities to shape places where they live. Through her leadership, all our work is grounded in community expertise and residents’ agency over their built environment.
What happens next? While Van Alen’s board searches for a new leader, Andrew Brown, Director of Programs & Kate Overbeck, Director of Strategic Partnerships will step up as Co-Interim Executive Directors, carrying forward our current community-led design projects.
Sharing some words from Deborah on the occasion:
“It’s been the opportunity of a lifetime to steer Van Alen Institute towards self-initiated projects that advance design justice. Now, with a suite of community-led design programs, welcoming new headquarters in Brooklyn, and a unified board and staff, Van Alen is in a brilliant place to continue growing under new leadership. It’s been an honor and privilege to lead these efforts and build coalitions with inspiring community leaders working towards justice, squarely situating Van Alen to foster equity in the built environment.”