International Institute of St. Louis taps longtime executive as new CEO

Reported by STL Today

ST. LOUIS — The International Institute of St. Louis announced Monday that it has hired a longtime senior staffer as its new chief executive. 

Blake Hamilton was hired after an international search for someone to lead the nonprofit, which serves as the region's main support for immigrants and refugees sent here by federal resettlement agencies. The Institute also operates privately-funded outreach programs that recruit immigrants to move to St. Louis from elsewhere in the U.S., to help offset the region's population loss.

Hamilton first joined the Institute in 2009 as a front-line worker and has since held multiple senior roles. He was named interim CEO in December to replace former CEO Arrey Obenson, who resigned after four yeas on the job over disagreements with the Institute's board of directors.

Months later, cuts and halts to international refugee resettlement ordered by President Donald Trump's administration forced the Institute to furlough 60% of its staff and curtail programs that brought 1,300 people to St. Louis.

Hamilton provided "steady, strategic leadership during a time of organizational transition and increasing pressures on our mission," the Institute said in a news release Monday. 

"I am honored to lead an organization that has stood for opportunity, growth, dignity and inclusion for over a century," Hamilton said in a written statement. "The International Institute has never been more vital to our region, and I am excited to continue working alongside our incredible staff, board, and community to build a stronger and more welcoming future for all." Keep reading.