Welcome Janine Macbeth, our interim executive director!

Chapter 510’s Executive Director, Janet Heller, is taking a well-deserved sabbatical through December 2026. So, please join us in welcoming Interim Executive Director Janine Macbeth to the team! Read on for a note from Janine about what brings her to Chapter 510, and why she’s excited to join us in this new capacity as we close out our tenth anniversary year. 

Hello Dear Chapter 510 Community, 

Janine Macbeth here. It’s a great pleasure and honor to share that I am currently serving as the Interim Executive Director of Chapter 510 while Co-Founder and Executive Director Janet Heller embarks on a well-deserved four month sabbatical. If we haven’t met yet, greetings, it’s lovely to connect with you!

I am stepping into this interim role having been a Chapter 510 parent, illustrator, and board member who has witnessed and experienced firsthand the joy, focus, and confidence Chapter 510 nurtures in Oakland’s children and young adults. Outside of Chapter 510, I have worked for racial justice nonprofit organizations for over twenty years, in nonprofit management, organizational development and fundraising, and executive leadership. As a former Publisher, Development Director, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Diversity Officer, it is a true privilege to serve in a way that so strongly syncs with my skillset and my passion for youth, storytelling, and literacy.  

As the interim steward of this organization, I am here to ensure that this important work continues to run smoothly, and to support Chapter 510’s incredible team as they nurture and champion the voices of Oakland youth. Safe spaces for young people to express themselves and find their creative voices are more important than ever, and it’s an honor to show up for them and for the amazing staff, teaching artists, and mentors who make Chapter 510 great. 

As a third generation Oaklander, and a product of Oakland Public Schools (from kindergarten through 12th grade), I have so much pride for our Town and our young people. To be able to support Chapter 510’s work to advance literacy, joy, confidence and educational success in Oakland’s youth is a true honor.  

Thank you for your support as our young authors write their way through the end of 2026!

Janine Macbeth 

Interim Executive Director