The PuLSE Institute, the influential national anti-poverty and economic justice think tank has announced that its longtime Board Chairman, the Rev. Dr. C. Paschal Eze has stepped down from his leadership post and transitioned to the Institute’s National Advisory Board as the organization prepares to mark its historic 10th anniversary in 2028.
Eze’s move to the National Advisory Board, The Institute’s brain trust made up of luminaries, freedom fighters, change agents, and major business leaders including DTE Energy executive chairman Jerry Norcia, the most recent addition to the group of distinguished leaders, will allow him to continue contributing to the organization’s long-term strategic vision, civic engagement initiatives, and national outreach efforts while helping guide its next chapter of growth.
The transition marks a significant moment in the evolution of The PuLSE Institute, which over the past decade has emerged as a respected platform for national conversations surrounding economic justice, democracy, poverty and public leadership.
The Board of Directors also voted to bestow upon Eze, who will depart from the Board in the fall the honorary title of Chairman emeritus of The Institute. The designation recognizes his years of distinguished leadership, institutional stewardship and enduring commitment to fighting inequality.
“It has been quite an honor leading the Board of The PuLSE Institute for nearly eight years. Serving alongside cerebral, connected and compassionate individuals who are glaringly committed to our anti-poverty mission, made it more meaningful,” Eze said. “With founder Bankole Thompson as the new Board Chairman, and Attorney Tina Patterson as President and General Counsel, The PuLSE Institute can only grow bigger, bolder and brighter.”
For years, Eze helped guide The Institute through pivotal moments of growth, civic engagement, and public influence, helping solidify its reputation as a respected platform for courageous dialogue on the struggles facing working families, underserved communities, and vulnerable Americans.
“I thank our outgoing Board Chairman, Dr. Paschal Eze, for his consistent, grounded leadership and experience that he lent in his dedicated service to The PuLSE Institute,” said Attorney Tina M. Patterson, the President and General Counsel of The PuLSE Institute, and a nationally recognized legal authority. “His presence from the beginning solidified the foundation of the organization, and we are grateful that his voice and wisdom will continue to serve us as he transitions to new opportunities and ascends to higher heights to the National Advisory Board.”
Businessman Omar Hernandez, a member of The Institute’s Board of Directors praised his Board colleague.
“ I have had the privilege of witnessing Paschal’s vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to giving a voice to communities too often unheard. His passion for justice, equality, and opportunity helped shape the foundation and mission of this organization from the very beginning,” Hernandez said. ” While his transition to the National Advisory Board marks a new chapter, his leadership and influence will continue to guide and inspire the organization for years to come. His designation as Chairman Emeritus is both fitting and well deserved.”
Institute founder Bankole Thompson, a nationally acclaimed journalist and standard-bearer for economic justice issues, praised Eze’s years of leadership and enduring commitment to the organization’s mission during a period of institutional growth and heightened public engagement.
“His leadership helped strengthen the foundation and public voice of The PuLSE Institute during consequential years in our development,” Thompson said. “As we move toward our 10th anniversary, we remain deeply grateful for his wisdom, service, and unwavering belief in the moral urgency of confronting poverty and economic inequality.”
Thompson has formally assumed the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors. He always represented the moral vision behind The Institute. His leadership as the new Chairman of the Board signals a bold and unapologetic commitment to advancing the fight for economic justice and democratic renewal during a deeply consequential moment in the nation. Additional announcements tied to the Institute’s 10-year anniversary celebration and future programming are expected in the months ahead.
Thompson said the next chapter of The Institute will focus on deepening its mission and expanding its impact at a time when millions of Americans continue to struggle under widening economic inequality and social uncertainty.
“The PuLSE Institute was founded on the belief that economic justice must remain central to the future of democracy,” Thompson said. “As we approach 10 years, this is not simply an institutional milestone. It is a moral recommitment to confronting poverty, amplifying forgotten voices, and challenging systems that leave too many people behind.”
The Institute also recently announced that Attorney Patterson will serve not only as President of The Institute but also as General Counsel in an expanded leadership role to oversee the organization’s legal affairs, strategic governance initiatives, institutional development and national engagement efforts as the organization enters a new transformative chapter. The appointment reflects Patterson’s longstanding commitment to the organization’s mission and her respected reputation as a legal, civic, and community leader whose work has been closely aligned with issues of justice, equity, public leadership, and institutional accountability.
Since its founding, The PuLSE Institute has distinguished itself as more than a traditional think tank, becoming a forceful civic and intellectual platform focused on challenging economic disparities, elevating marginalized voices, and advancing transformative dialogue on democracy and public responsibility.
