Rogette Harris of South Central Pennsylvania will assume the role of executive director of the agency effective September 3.

Harris has nearly 20 years of experience in government affairs, public policy and legislative advocacy and has demonstrated an “unwavering commitment” to advancing social justice and racial equality, according to a news release from Hope Station.

Before joining the Hope Station team, she worked in the Dauphin County Clerk of Court’s office, said interim executive director Heather Maneval. Her other experience includes positions in the finance department at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Harris also holds master’s degrees in public administration and business administration, and her involvement in advocacy organizations has included work with DC Vote, the Academy of Hope, the Democratic National Committee and the NAACP, Maneval said.

According to Hope Station, she has worked in both government and nonprofit sectors, leading project management and developing strategic initiatives for social change.

“Rogette Harris’ exceptional leadership skills and deep understanding of advocacy and social justice make her the ideal person to lead Hope Station,” said Board Chair Tavares Tyler. “We are excited about the fresh perspectives and strategic acumen she will bring to our organization, and we look forward to the positive impact she will have in advancing our mission.”

Hope Station’s election of a new executive director comes after the organization began a strategic planning process earlier this year.

Former CEO Safronia Perry resigned from her position in December and the company has been run under Maneval since February.

Maneval helped oversee the months-long planning process, which included input from community leaders and neighbors and culminated in a vision that addresses the social and economic mobility of black and brown people in Cumberland County, according to the nonprofit.

The full strategic plan is available on the Hope Station website.

Harris’s responsibilities will include overseeing the transition from social services to advocacy, promoting social change and ensuring the implementation of innovative solutions, organization officials said.

“I am honored to join Hope Station and work with such a dedicated team,” said Harris. “I look forward to using my experience and passion for social justice to advance the organization’s goals and help create lasting, positive change in our community.”