FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

After 7 Years of Leadership, TMWG Executive Director Embarks on First Sabbatical

Aberdeen, WA | June 2025 — After seven years of leading The Moore Wright Group (TMWG) through growth, crisis response, and transformative community impact, Executive Director Tanikka Watford will be taking her first sabbatical, stepping away from day-to-day operations from July 1 to October 1, 2025. This opportunity, made possible through the support of the BIPOC ED Coalition, marks a new chapter of restoration, reflection, and sustainability.

“I’ve led TMWG from the inception in the back of a minivan, COVID, floods, housing barriers, and economic shifts—this time, I’m choosing to pause, reflect, and return stronger,” said Watford. “This sabbatical isn’t just for me. It’s a testament to the kind of leadership we believe in and the example we want to be in the community, restorative, rooted, and resilient.”

During this time, Deputy Director Anthony Chadwick will serve as Interim Executive Director, overseeing organizational strategy and external partnerships. “Anthony has walked beside me in this work and knows the heart of this mission. TMWG is in capable hands,” Watford affirmed.

TMWG will remain fully operational during the sabbatical period, continuing to provide critical services including housing stabilization, disaster response, workforce development, community support, and economic empowerment across rural and underserved communities.

About The Moore Wright Group: TMWG is a nonprofit organization based in Aberdeen, WA, focused on restoring hope, dignity, and stability through wraparound services that meet families where they are. With work in affordable housing and a wide-reaching network of partners, TMWG has served thousands of individuals and families facing barriers in housing, employment, disaster recovery, and more.

About the BIPOC Executive Directors Coalition: The BIPOC ED Coalition is a statewide network that supports Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in executive leadership. Through funding, community, and advocacy, the Coalition advances equity in nonprofit leadership and creates space for rest and sustainability for leaders of color.

Media Contact: Anthony Chadwick, Interim Executive Director director@tmwg.org (360) 207-0188 ext 105 www.tmwg.org