Boyden is proud to share the appointment news of Dr. Lisa Abel-Palmieri
December 2018 – Pittsburgh PA – Boys & Girls Clubs of Western PA Board Names Dr. Lisa Abel-Palmieri President & C.E.O to replace Mike Hepler who is retiring at the end of the year after 50 years of service to the organization.
“After conducting an extensive national search, we found the most qualified leader for our organization right here in Pittsburgh,” says Bob Luffy, Chair of the Board. “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Abel-Palmieri as the new President & C.E.O. of Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania who will be instrumental in furthering the Club’s mission under her leadership.”
Dr. Lisa Abel-Palmieri is a non-profit leader passionate about shaping the future of learning by designing equitable experiences that engage the heart, mind and innate skills in youth. She was most recently the Head of School (Executive Director) and Chief Learning Officer at Nazareth Prep, a progressive independent school focused on bridging education to employment skill gaps in the region for students who’ve been traditionally untapped for STEM careers. Lisa has been a classroom teacher, after-school program leader, STEAM Coordinator, Director of Technology and has held positions in industry a decade before entering education and nonprofit spaces. Most importantly, she’s a champion for youth and enjoys long-standing relationships with past students who are now adults.
She received a Bachelor of Arts in public relations and design from Duquesne University as well as a Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing and Master of Science in Technology. Her Doctorate of Philosophy was earned at Robert Morris University in Instructional Management and Leadership. Lisa was awarded Non-Profit CIO of the Year by the Pittsburgh Technology Council in 2013. She was honored to join the Deeper Learning Equity Fellows in 2016. She’s been named an ASCD Emerging Leader, Robert F. Kennedy Urban Education Leader of the Year finalist, “Who’s Next in Education” and 40 Under 40 by Pittsburgh Magazine. A frequent collaborator within the Remake Learning Network, Lisa believes partnerships and culturally relevant experiences launch innovative ideas and programs. She’s on numerous advisory committees in the region and is the Senior Vice-President of Growth for the Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council. Lisa is married to Clayton; and they have a son, Anthony, who is in the 1st grade. They enjoy building, crafting together and attending soccer games! She comes from a large Italian family with humble beginnings in Pittsburgh’s Steel Mills after immigrating from the rolling hills in Abruzzo, Italy.
Dr. Abel-Palmieri expresses “I am honored and excited to join such a impactful organization that has been a community partner in Western Pennsylvania for 130 years. The BGCWPA will continue its rich legacy of traditional programming and build new STEM and workforce development programming to give youth the knowledge and skills to build the futures they want. I am passionate about ensuring that equity is at the heart of all we design. We will build new collaborations with our members, their families, business and industry, educators and the community at large. I look forward to collaborating with the team to bring out the brilliance in the youth we serve. I can’t wait to launch a listening and learning tour in the new year to get to meet our staff and members.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania serves over 7,600 young people per year and remains dedicated to its mission of ensuring that all young people reach their full potential as caring, responsible and productive citizens.
For additional information please contact Susan Kalich at susankalich@bgcwpa.org.
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Media inquiries can be directed to Jamie Colton-Walters at 412-782-5710 or at jamiecoltonwalters@bgcwpa.org.
ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania is a non-profit organization that is part of a national network of Boys & Girls Clubs united in this mission: "To inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens of their community, America, and the world." The agency is governed by an active and engaged Board of Directors with a formal committee structure representing a cross section of community leaders. Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania began their service to the young people of our community in 1888, and currently serves over 7,600 young people between the ages of 5-18 years old. The long-standing history of successful service to youth in the community sets the organization apart from others. Staff and volunteers operate year-round programs in eight facilities throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. www.bgcwpa.org.
Source: Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania News
