Welcoming Patty Bermudez
We are thrilled to announce that Huckleberry Youth Programs has hired Patricia Bermudez (Patty) as our new Chief Executive Officer. This decision concludes a careful, values-driven search process and marks the start of an important new chapter for Huckleberry Youth Programs. We look forward to continuing our work with the young people and families we serve, supporting their personal growth and promoting social equity.
What’s at Stake
We share a commitment to youth well-being and development, while recognizing that this work requires strong community connections and robust organizational infrastructure. Patty embodies this combination, bringing over 15 years of senior nonprofit leadership experience focused on people-centered practices, fiscal responsibility, and systems thinking, all dedicated to serving underrepresented communities.
What Patty Brings to This Mission-Driven Work
Patty’s background exemplifies the type of leadership Huckleberry needs during this period of change and transition. As the Senior Regional Director at AIDS Healthcare Foundation, she managed healthcare, behavioral health, housing, and community-based programs across multiple states, overseeing complex operations and government contracts totaling over $25 million, as well as multidisciplinary teams. Most recently, as the Executive Director of WORLD in Oakland, Patty led strategic planning, improved internal systems, and expanded services while honoring the organization’s culture and history.
Her leadership style focuses on listening, transparency, and partnership. Her experience brings skills that help bridge perspectives among staff, boards, funders, and community partners, strengthening trust and collaboration. This approach will be invaluable as we continue to build a strong, sustainable foundation that enables our youth development work to thrive.
Patty also shares a deep personal connection to the communities Huckleberry serves. As a Latina who grew up in an immigrant community, she is dedicated to serving youth from historically marginalized communities and inspiring future generations.
Our Gratitude and Path Forward
We are immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to this search process, including our staff, Executive Team, Board of Directors, and the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership. The process included staff input on the job description, candidate interviews and facility tours, and thorough reflection resulting in a decision made with both confidence and care.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with our community members as we welcome Patty and work to strengthen our collective impact. The work ahead is both exciting and essential, and we are honored to collaborate with partners who share our commitment to providing young people with the holistic, community-centered services they deserve.
