A ‘good fit’ takes over

Lorenzo Sistrunk, 39, of Hempstead, has been named the new executive director of the Five Towns Community Center in Lawrence, and took up his new duties on Oct. 1. He replaced Bertha Pruitt, who held the position for five years and served the center in other capacities for almost 40 years.
Sistrunk brings extensive experience in working with youth service programs, grant writing and fundraising as well as in education. After studying education at Claflin University in his hometown of Orangeburg, S.C., he earned a master’s in education administration from Hofstra University.
“I have a vast amount of experience in different areas: after-school children’s programs, case management and Head Start, for example,” he said, referring to the pre-school program for children in lower-income families. “I have a love for families. With my parent coordinator position before, I have experience in working with low-income families, helping guide them with whatever they need. As someone from a similar family situation, I understand these families very well.”
Sistrunk has worked for the Economic Opportunity Commission of Nassau County, as a parent coordinator in the New York City Department of Education’s Head Start program, and as the assistant director for college prep at the Harlem Center for Education. Most recently, he was the director of operations for the South Queens Boys and Girls Club.
Sistrunk saw the job posting at indeed.com and decided to apply in late April. He was called for an interview at the end of June, and on July 21 he learned he had gotten the job. He was chosen from a pool of 25 candidates that was reduced to eight, and finally a group of four.

Peter Visconti, the community center’s director, said the competition was tough, but he and the board of directors made the right choice. “Lorenzo interviewed well,” he said. “He had an extensive background and excellent writing skills. We liked his nonprofit experience and how broad it expands: Head Start, Boys and Girls Club, and working in the Harlem and Queens communities.”
In order for the center to continue its mission of serving the community, Sistrunk said, his primary goals would be increasing revenue and civic participation. “I’d like to increase our fundraising efforts,” he said. “In order to help more families, we need to bring in more money. I’d like to increase the overall activity, the community’s involvement in our programs. It’s also important to me to maintain our connections with our local school districts, the Town of Hempstead and local politicians.”
The center serves families, and Sistrunk understands the importance of familial bonds. He and wife, Keesha, have two boys, and Lorenzo said he loves traveling with them. “I love my family,” he said. “It’s all about the family.”
A college football fan who roots for the University of Miami, Sistrunk said he will think of his new position in the long term, possibly until he retires.
Diane Johnson, director of the community center’s board, agreed with Visconti’s assessment of Sistrunk. “He shadowed Bertha [Pruitt] for three weeks before she left,” Johnson said. “I know he’ll be a good fit.”