New CEO at CAPI Guiding Nonprofit Towards Expansion
Brooklyn Center-based nonprofit CAPI USA has hired a longtime employee as its new CEO.
Mary Neidermeyer, who has served several roles within the organization, was named CEO in January.
CAPI USA, located at 5930 Brooklyn Boulevard, serves immigrants, refugees, and people-of-color.
“I’m a Korean adoptee, so I came to the U.S. when I was very young and I think coming to CAPI, I found a place of belonging for one the first times,” Neidermeyer said. “I love CAPI and have been here for over 10 years, and the work and the community inspires me.”
The CEO spot opened up in May 2023, and Neidermeyer later took over the role on an interim basis.
Now, she’s stepped into the role permanently. And as she’s settled in, she said the need for services in the Brooklyn Center community remains high.
“In the food shelf right now, it’s a very high demand,” Neidermeyer said. “So we’ve been struggling to keep up with it and we’re looking for more food, more volunteers.”
Mary Neidermeyer, CEO of CAPI USA, sits behind her desk at the organization’s Brooklyn Center headquarters.
CAPI Expansion Plans in Brooklyn Center
Along with the expanding need for food comes plans to expand CAPI’s facilities. The organization received about $3 million from the state legislature for a building expansion during the last legislative session.
Neidermeyer said they don’t expect to break ground on the for about a year-and-a-half.
“We are going to be adding a greenhouse and community gardens, and a cafe so folks can buy, grow, sell, donate and receive food,” she said.
The expansion will also include a business incubator component.
But, in the meantime, Neidermeyer said she’s excited for CAPI’s upcoming events like Twin Cities World Refugee Day. It’s an annual festival that CAPI holds in June to honor refugees.
“It’s celebrating their contributions, their art, their cultures, their food,” Neidermeyer said. “So it’ll just be a really great time for the community to come together.”
It’s all part of CAPI’s plan to continue serving the community for years to come.
“I think, the vision for the next five years is really becoming a community hub for Brooklyn Center and northwest suburbs,” Neidermeyer said.
