Ms. King serves as the chief executive officer for Leadership Newark, Inc., a non-profit organization in the State of New Jersey. Her responsibilities include the overall management and oversight of numerous leadership development programs, which has an emphasis on public policy enrichment and civic engagement for both adults and youth. Celia is responsible for ensuring each program is of high quality & relevant based on the state of affairs nationally, regionally and statewide. In her role, she strives to expand and improve the network of civic and community leaders in the greater Newark area. As an advocate of civic participation, Celia takes her role seriously in engaging the public to be informed and involved. Ms. King feels community building as well as a commitment to social and civic responsibility requires the development of servant leaders through community leadership programs.
Ms. King is also a speaker and facilitator in the area of leadership, leadership development and team building. Additionally, she is a professional career and executive coach. These experiences have provided a strong foundation to serve in her current capacity with Leadership Newark. She recognizes the growth and development of others is the highest calling of leadership.
Prior to assuming her current position, Celia worked in the field of healthcare as an administrator for more than 10 years. As a senior level executive with oversight in behavioral health services, substance abuse and ambulatory care, Ms. King strength lies in community health administration & planning specifically for urban communities and underserved populations.
Her role involved managing health centers for communities in Harlem, New York; Jersey City, New Jersey and Paterson, New Jersey. She developed strategic plans for growth and expansion of health services in these cities. Additionally, she implemented broad-based successful outreach and community engagement efforts in both suburban and urban communities.
Celia M. King is a former Councilwoman from Maplewood, New Jersey, serving for 8 years. During her tenure she served in the capacity of Deputy Mayor 4 years. Maplewood is a suburban community of 24,000 in Essex County in which the local elected officials serve in an at-large capacity. In office for 3-terms, Ms. King’s responsibilities included service as the President of the Board of Health for Maplewood, working closely with the local drug alliance to educate children in public and private schools about the campaign against drugs and Co-Chair of the finance committee.
Celia also established a Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention program, which provides support services for victims of domestic violence. She also hosted a cable show focusing on health issues called “Community Health Watch”. She served as the liaison for the Senior Citizen community in town and continues to be an advocate for older adults working on issues that assists them in continuing to enjoy a quality lifestyle that is affordable.
Celia’s board service and volunteer work has been extensive: currently serving as a member on the board of the following organizations: Prospect Presbyterian Church; Marion P. Thomas Charter School; Newark Emergency Services for Families; The Newark Trust for Education and Newark Downtown District. Formerly with Family Connections; Supreme Court of New Jersey District Fee Arbitration Committee; The Hypersomnia Foundation; Emerge New Jersey; The Jewish Museum of New Jersey and as a volunteer math tutor for Kipp NJ at Team Academy. She is also a member of a member of Phi Alpha Alpha Public Administration Honor Society.
Ms. King holds a Master’s degree from Milano The New School University for Management and Urban Policy and completed her undergraduate studies at Syracuse University.