(MADISON, Wis.) – This morning the Urban League of Greater Madison board of directors announced Dr. Ruben Anthony as its new Chief Executive Officer. Anthony lives in Madison and has a rich, 27-year background in business and transportation management and applying his expertise in the fight for civil rights.

“We have reviewed applications from across the U.S., but have found the perfect fit right here in our backyard in Dr. Anthony,” said Nia Trammell, the chairwoman of the Urban League’s executive board. “Ruben has strong ties to the Madison community and understands completely its cultural strengths and the challenges that lie ahead.”

Anthony will assume his Chief Executive Officer duties on April 6. Former Madison police chief Noble Wray served as Interim CEO following the resignation of Kaleem Caire in March 2014. In September 2014, Wray was elected to the Urban League’s Board of Directors. Chief Programs & Development Officer Edward Lee was appointed Interim CEO following Wray’s election to the Board.

“The Madison community has consistently won ‘Best City’ awards over the years and now it is incumbent on us to ensure we are the best city we can be for all of Madison’s residents,” said Anthony. “We have so much to celebrate here, but our challenges have been laid bare recently and we have to act on behalf of our younger generations.”

Anthony founded RowJAC Consulting firm in 2013, which specializes in civil rights compliance related to government contracting. He also served as a disadvantaged business enterprise adviser to Milwaukee County, Milwaukee Sewerage District, the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Dulles Airport in Washington D.C. Prior to these ventures, Anthony served 19 years as a manager with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation ending his career as the Deputy Secretary overseeing 3,600 employees and a budget of more than $3.25 billion.

Dr. Ruben Anthony will serve at the pleasure of the Urban League of Greater Madison board of directors.