March 5, 2026
FROM OJALA NAEEM, chair, Board of Directors
Dear Friends of Forge City Works,
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to share an important leadership update with our community.
After several years of dedicated service, our Executive Director, Ben Dubow, will be transitioning from Forge City Works in June to pursue a new professional opportunity. While we will miss Ben’s leadership, we are grateful for the role he has played in strengthening the organization and advancing our work. We wish him continued success in this next chapter.
During his time with Forge City Works, Ben helped build organizational capacity and support the growth of our programs and social enterprises. His leadership contributed to the continued development of our mission: to provide job training and food access through sustainable social enterprises, empowering people to improve their lives.
Ben will remain with the organization until June to support a thoughtful and smooth transition. The Board of Directors is actively preparing for the next phase of leadership by initiating an organizational assessment and beginning the process for a search for our next Executive Director. Our priority is to identify a leader who will build on the strong foundation that exists today and continue expanding Forge City Works’ impact in Hartford and across our region.
Forge City Works has always been powered by a strong community of partners, funders, staff, trainees, and supporters who believe deeply in the power of opportunity and the dignity of work. The Board remains fully committed to the organization’s mission and is confident in its future. Our programs, social enterprises, and team remain strong, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Forge City Works and the individuals and families whose lives are transformed through this work.
With gratitude,
Ojala Naeem
Chair, Board of Directors
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FROM BEN DUBOW, Executive Director
Dear Friends of Forge City Works,
After four years as Executive Director of Forge City Works, I want to share that I will be stepping out of my role in June. I believe this is the right time for a leadership handoff. We have built real momentum together, and I’m confident Forge City Works will keep growing with new leadership and fresh perspective.
When I arrived at FCW, I stepped into a strong foundation and a real legacy. I’m grateful for the leaders, staff, board members, partners, and community members who built Forge City Works long before I ever got here. Over these past four years, I’ve had the privilege of building on that foundation, and I’m confident the organization will continue to do the same.
I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. We refreshed our Theory of Change, expanded the services and supports we provide to trainees, launched Fire by Forge Restaurant, opened The Grocery on Broad, and deepened our role as a community anchor. We also strengthened key partnerships, including our work with Dalio Education and the Connecticut Opportunity Project, and we’ve continued building a more data-driven culture so we can measure what matters and keep improving.
I’m not leaving until early June, which gives us real time for transition planning and a smooth handoff. Our programs and social enterprises will continue as usual, and our day-to-day work continues without interruption. The Board is leading the transition process. Between now and my final day, I’m committed to staying focused on the work and setting the organization up to succeed.
I’m confident that the best is still ahead for Forge City Works. I’m deeply grateful for your partnership, your investment in this work, and your trust. Thank you for walking alongside us.
As always,
Ben Dubow
Executive Director
Forge City Works
