The Raleigh City Council established the Southeast Raleigh Assembly (SERA) in 2001 as an advisory board to help create economic prosperity in Southeast Raleigh. In 2009, its members voted to make the organization an independent, nonprofit corporation, a step that will provide it with more flexibility to pursue its mission.
Now known as SERA, Inc., the organization is in the process of making the transition to independent, nonprofit status. With its new status, SERA, Inc. will be able to accept grants, donations and other resources for which donors will receive tax exemptions. The change in status is scheduled to take effect in February 2010.
SERA, Inc. remains committed to achieving its vision of an improved quality of life for residents of Southeast Raleigh. It strives to fulfill its mission by:
Working with the community to make physical improvements that increase the public’s sense of safety and prevent crime;
Empowering and educating youth;
Promoting prosperity and business development; and
Advocating for public transportation improvements.
SERA, Inc. has adopted a formal organizational structure. During the transition, the Executive Committee of the Southeast Raleigh Assembly is serving as SERA, Inc.’s interim Board of Directors and is making governance decisions. Ed Wills and Scott Cutler serve as co-chairs of the interim Board of Directors.
The interim Board is accepting nominations for membership on SERA, Inc.’s permanent Board of Directors. The permanent Board will have seven to 15 members. It will be responsible for setting policy and overseeing the fulfillment of SERA Inc.’s mission. It also will have fiduciary responsibility for the organization.
The organization plans to hire a President , who will report to the Board of Directors and be responsible for the day-to-day running of SERA, Inc.
