Robert Sausedo
President & CEO
Community Build, Inc.
A native Angeleno, Sausedo has been engaged and involved with civic matters that impact youth, economic development, social justice and literacy for over 30 years.
In April 2019, he was selected to head Community Build, Inc., (CBI) one of Los Angeles’ oldest nonprofit organizations. CBI was founded by L.A. City Deputy Mayor Brenda Shockley and Congresswoman Maxine Waters in the wake of Los Angeles’ 1992 Civil Unrest as an organization dedicated to rebuilding South Los Angeles and providing resources and services to the community, particularly at-risk youth, young adults and families with children.
Since arriving at Community Build, Mr. Sausedo aggressively sought to increase funding sources to support an expansion of CBI’s services and community assistance programs. Under his leadership, CBI’s budget has more than doubled – from $3.3 million to $6.9 in less than two years. A native of South Los Angeles, Mr. Sausedo is acutely attuned to the needs of the community launching new programs.
At the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, Mr. Sausedo founded the Community Response System of South Los Angeles (CRSSLA) in a vehicle to ensure South Los Angeles residents received their share of City resources and life necessities. The collaboration began with 30 key community organizations, churches, educational institutions and other stakeholders in the South Los Angeles area. Currently CRSSLA’s is growing stronger than ever and has become a vital link for the community. It’s network of partners has grown to over 90 individuals and organizations, a 65% increase.
Since its inception, CRSSLA member organizations have distributed over ten million pounds of food to the neediest areas at sites across Los Angeles. Thousands of residents have received assistance ranging from COVID-related medical support, psychological wellness counseling, job placement, educational support and small business assistance.
Prior to leading CBI and founding CRSSLA, Sausedo served as Deputy for Agency and Review for former Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. His responsibilities included a broad portfolio covering economic development, community engagement, commission appointments and development. Prior to joining Supervisor Ridley-Thomas’ staff, Mr. Sausedo held several local, statewide and national positions in the energy efficiency and financial services sectors.
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