Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Mildred Crump became that city’s first Black braille teacher. She later earned a master’s degree in public administration from Rutgers-Newark and became New Jersey’s first Black braille teacher.

Over the course of her career, she received many recognitions, including being inducted into the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Elected Officials Hall of Fame in 2020.

As an At-Large City Council member and later as the Council President, she was always supportive of NCC initiatives brought before the City Administration and Municipal Council. And she was a champion for all the issues NCC targets through its various service programs.

Her hard work and dedication to the people of Newark will be greatly missed.

We pray for her and her family that they will find peace in their time of sorrow.

“NCC is in a strong position to explode into its next 50 years. There will be new buildings and facilities, much greater emphasis on health and its relationship to housing, training for well-paying in-demand jobs, health care, early childhood development and future innovations,” said Richard Rohrman, New Community CEO. “When you look at our current organizational structure and financial standing, what you are seeing are the long-run cumulative results of innovative strategies and strategic partnerships that allow us to create tremendous impact. Right now, I see New Community as ready for whatever arises, making it an optimal time for this transition.”

Rohrman’s history with New Community started long before he was appointed the CEO. In the 1980s, he served as the Assistant Director of Maintenance and Business Development Manager. Since then, he has held the positions of Director of Real Estate Operations and Director of Real Estate Development. In 2013, Richard was appointed as the CEO when Monsignor William J. Linder, the Founder of NCC, retired from that position.

“Throughout Richard Rohrman’s career at New Community Corporation, here in the City of Newark, he has demonstrated commitment, compassion and creativity. Richard’s efforts and determination was of tremendous benefit to not just the New Community family but the Newark family as well. New Community Corporation’s loss is Newark’s loss,” stated Mildred Crump, Newark City Council President.

A hybrid celebration will be held in Rohrman’s honor on May 20, 2021, which will be live streamed via Facebook and YouTube for employees, partners and friends. In the coming weeks, additional information about the search and celebration will be released via the New Community website, social media channels and Clarion, New Community’s monthly newsletter.

“Richard has been a wonderful partner with the Board and an outstanding leader for New Community Corporation for over 25 years. The New Community network, and those we serve, have greatly benefited from his vision, business acumen, dedication and leadership,” stated Dr. A. Zachary Yamba, New Community Board of Directors Chairman. “In his role of CEO, Rohrman has used his expertise to strengthen the operational structure and the financial standing of the organization, positioning NCC to grow and be acclaimed as one of the largest community development organizations in the country. We will miss him greatly.”

In preparation for new leadership, the Board of Directors has constituted a search committee of its members in partnership with The Support Center, a nonprofit leadership and consulting organization specializing in executive search and transition.  For more information about the CEO position and search, visit www.supportcenteronline.org.