Blake S. Hamilton, senior vice president of talent development and advocacy, is in as interim president and CEO.
It is unknown why the shift in leadership occurred.
In an email to International Institute staff, Hamilton said, “I will work closely with each of you in the coming days and weeks to continue with all of our work together.”
Hamilton said the Institute board will conduct a national search for a permanent replacement for the departed Obenson, even as reasons for his leaving his position remain unclear.
“Our organizational commitment to refugees and immigrants forms the strong roots which has fed the growth of our organization for more than 105 years. We should all be confident that this entire team can continue welcoming new neighbors with the highest degree of professionalism and care,” Hamilton informed staff.
He also encouraged the staff “to refrain from sharing any office gossip or rumors.”
Last week on Instagram, Obenson celebrated “our team’s remarkable achievements” during the final staff meeting of 2024.
“Over the past four years, our International Institute team has experienced unprecedented growth, expanding from 69 to 176 members and increasing our budget from $8.5 million to $26 million,” Obenson wrote.
“We’ve had a profound impact on our community, serving over 4,600 individuals this year alone. The entire leadership team and I are incredibly grateful for each of you and your dedicated work. The work we do every day is essential to the success of refugees and immigrants. You are all part of this team for a reason.”
According to its website, “The International Institute of St. Louis provides opportunities for immigrants and refugees to thrive in order to create a welcoming, prosperous, and healthy region for all.”
The Institute offers economic and cultural integration services, including English classes, employment, orientation, and citizenship preparation. It also hosts events and presentations to build inclusive and mutually respectful relationships between foreign-born newcomers and all community members.
Following the retirement of Anna E. Crosslin, who served 42 years with the organization, Obenson was selected to replace her.
A Cameroon native, Obenson began residing in the U.S. more than 20 years ago. Before joining the International Institute, he served with the Junior Chamber International, a leadership development organization, for 17 years.
In October, Sylvester Brown of the St. Louis American reported that the Institute, in partnership with the Afghan Chamber of Commerce, awarded three Afghan immigrants $15,000 Entrepreneurship Grants.
The program, part of the larger Afghan Support Program launched in 2022, provided the grants to help Afghan immigrants start or grow businesses in the St. Louis region.
Obenson told Brown, “The welcoming celebratory atmosphere was by design.”
“This event is a culmination of the efforts we’ve been making in the last two and half years with the resettlement of Afghans.”
St. Louis has become a hub for Afghan refugees, with more than 1,500 resettling here after the Taliban took over Afghanistan August 2021.
The Afghan Outreach Initiative — a partnership between the International Institute of St. Louis and attorney and philanthropist Jerry Schlichter — has helped nearly double the local Afghan population to about 4,000 people, according to Moji Sidiqi, director for multicultural affairs and Afghan outreach for the International Institute.
Obenson said “I am astonished by the adaptability and resilience of the refugees and is proud to provide grants for their business endeavors.”
Hamilton said the work on behalf of Afghan residents and all served by the International Institute would continue under his interim leadership.
“This incredible team plays a vital role in our community. Many of us see our work as more than a job. I am proud to work with all of you and to continue serving refugees and immigrants in St. Louis,” Hamilton stated in his email to staff.
“I want to reassure you that the leadership and I are committed to ensuring that you all understand how valued you are and feel safe and supported here at work.”
He wrote that “it is important that we allow [Obenson] to retain privacy.
“I encourage you to continue completing our work to the best of our abilities. Finally, I want to say how thankful I am for all of you.”