By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – A former top policy maker in Buffalo city government is leaving the private sector to take over as head of the International Institute of Buffalo. Eva Hassett began her new job as executive director Monday.
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The institute helps resettle hundreds of immigrants and refugees every year. The agency provides everything from assistance with housing, health care and job training to English instruction and translation services. To do all that takes a budget of 1.7 million dollars. Hassett said that is where she comes in. Hassett said her 25 years of management experience will help the Institute meet the growing demand in these tough economic times.
Hassett said she does not have any specific training in refugee services. She held a variety of top level positions in the Masiello Administration. She currently serves on the board working to preserve the Richardson Complex. Most recently, she was executive vice president for Savarino Construction.
But Hassett said her work in and for the community gives her a sense of what is needed. She said the Institute has tremendous potential to help everyone in the community culturally reconnect with one another.
Hassett replaces Pam Kefi who left to concentrate on immigration advocacy.