The Muscatine Center for Social Action (MCSA) recently announced Emily Harvey has been selected as the Executive Director to lead MCSA. She started in October.

Emily Harvey

“We have been patient and rigorous in our search for a candidate that brings a significant body of work, education, and mindset that aligns with MCSA’s mission, programs, and vision. We have found that person in Emily Harvey,” said Angie Johnson, President of the MCSA Board of Directors.

Emily has served in various leadership roles throughout her career focusing on housing stabilization, client navigation, education, property development, and advocacy. She has served as the CEO of Humility Homes, a collaborative Quad Cities based organization aimed at ending homelessness through short and long-term housing opportunities and supportive services. While there Emily led the sheltering and stabilizing services, permanent supporting housing growth, and related programming.

Emily completed her bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 2008. She received her master’s degree in social work from St. Ambrose in Davenport in 2013. She is planning to relocate to Muscatine next year.

She is starting to learn about the rich history Muscatine offers..

“Muscatine is a beautiful city with a rich history that I am just beginning to learn about,” Harvey said. “For example, MCSA’s neighbors at the Stanley Center gave me a book about Susan Clark and the Iowa Supreme Court case desegregating public schools in 1868, which started right here in Muscatine. I’m also excited by the community partnerships that have formed to create innovative and holistic solutions to social justice issues within the community. For example, Muscatine is the building site of the very first 3D-printed homes in the state as the result of successful collaboration between many local and state partners.”

The Board of Directors of MCSA would also like to recognize Bob Allbee’s, Interim Director, dedication and impact during his tenure.

“The Board of MCSA is grateful to Bob for filling the Interim role during our transition, bringing consistency and continuity to the team, clients, and programming during our search for the next Executive Director,” Johnson said.

Muscatine Center for Social Action is a collaborative housing stability agency providing housing, basic health care, educational, and support services to those in need in Muscatine County. To learn more, visit www.mcsaiowa.org or call Muscatine Center for Social Action at 563-264-3278.