LifeSTEPS (Life Skills Training & Educational Programs) welcomed Dedria Black as Deputy Director in February 2022. Black is working alongside Executive Director Beth Southorn to foster the future growth of LifeSTEPS, which provides effective educational and supportive services to nearly 100,000 residents of affordable and supportive housing across California.

As Deputy Director, Black provides leadership and expertise in areas of financial management, business development, strategic planning and organizational effectiveness.  Black serves as a strategic thought partner to Southorn, and helps assure that the legacy and mission of LifeSTEPS continues to move forward with excellence, best practices and innovations.

“LifeSTEPS has a long-standing history of excellence, and I am honored to join the team as Deputy Director,” Black said. “There has never been a more critical need for resident services, and I am thrilled for the opportunity to create positive impact and transform lives through LifeSTEPS’ programs and supports.”

Prior to joining LifeSTEPS, Black served as Deputy Director of Programs for the City and County of San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. In collaboration with the Department of Public Health, the Human Service Agency and the Department of Emergency Management, Black led the department’s COVID-19 response which included the development of a COVID-19 Command Center, the launch of 25 shelter-in-place hotels providing safe housing for over 2,000 COVID-vulnerable San Francisco residents experiencing homelessness and the implementation of other COVID-19 response initiatives.  She previously served as Adult/Older Adult System of Care Director for Calaveras County, where she planned, organized, and directed programs and special projects for the Behavioral Health Care Division.

“Dedria will be a tremendous asset to the LifeSTEPS’ leadership team and organization,” said Southorn. “She has spent her entire career serving and supporting those in need and is a true champion of that cause. Her passion for the constituency served by affordable housing communities will complement the existing expertise of our team.”

In 2022, Black will complete her PH.D in Organizational Psychology from Grand Canyon University and recently completed The Public Leadership Credential Program at Harvard University. Black currently holds an MBA in Organizational Development from Upper Iowa University and three BS degrees in Criminal Justice, Human Services and Paralegal Studies.