Diversity in Action

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

"A second Trump administration intends to abandon efforts to advance and legally defend affirmative action and DEI policies within military academies, federal minority contracting programs, and other federal programs shown to open opportunities – as well as create inclusive education and workplace environments – unfairly denied to people of color, women, and other marginalized groups ... A second Trump administration would not only refuse to enforce civil rights regulations on behalf of individuals from historically marginalized groups, but to actively weaken these protections in housing, education, health care, and other essential resources." — Alexis Agathocleous, Kim Conway, ReNika Moore, ACLU 

Less than 48 hours after Donald Trump once again becomes President of the United States, a historic coalition of civil and human rights leaders will gather to plan a strategy to defend equal opportunity.     

The Demand Diversity Roundtable convenes at 11:30 am, Eastern Time, at the National Press Club. A livestream of the event will be available on NUL.org,  Facebook, and YouTube.

The lively, rapid-fire, roundtable will focus on confronting the disinformation campaign to discredit diversity, equity, and inclusion, exposing the myths used to divide communities, setting the record straight with facts, and reaffirming participants’ unwavering commitment to justice, unity, and the values that strengthen our nation.

Trump has vowed that on his first day in office, he will revoke President Biden’s executive order on racial equity, and pursue the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives both within the federal government and among private institutions

Project 2025, the policy blueprint Trump is expected to follow, calls for the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division to “investigate and prosecute all state and local governments, institutions of higher education, corporations, and any other private employers” with diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.  It calls for references to “sexual orientation and gender identity” to be deleted from all federal rules, LGBTQ workplace discrimination protections to be sharply  limited, and a ban on transgender troops in the U.S. armed forces.

The Demand Diversity Roundtable represents a refusal to remain silent in the face of an unprecedented assault on DEI measures, and a commitment to fostering unity, resilience and proactive leadership in defense of equal opportunity for all.  

America's strength lies in its diversity, and abandoning DEI would endanger the nation's progress and future.

While Trump professed to know nothing about Project 2025 during his campaign, as President Elect he has selected its authors and influencers for key roles in his administration. The agenda is alarmingly hostile to any measures it designates as "woke" - a term the “anti-woke” movement  has defined as “the belief there are systemic injustices in American society and the need to address them.” The movement holds that acknowledging discrimination is, in itself, discrimination.

Several organizations that have been designated hate groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center are among Project 2025's advisory board, including Alliance Defending Freedom, infamous for restricting access to the abortion pill and support for anti-LGBTQ+ policies, and Center for Immigration Studies, known for providing a platform for racist writers along and associating with white nationalists.

The incoming administration's policies, aligned with frameworks like Project 2025, threaten to undermine principles of equal opportunity and roll back progress toward a multiracial democracy. The National Urban League and our co-conveners of the Demand Diversity Roundtable will resist these threats.

Today the City of Pittsburgh, in partnership with the Pittsburgh Regional Disparity Study Consortium, has issued a request for proposals for a Regional Disparity Study. The consortium, the largest consortium of public entities in recent history, is compromised of the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh, the Urban Redevelopment Authority, Parking Authority, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, and the Stadium Authority.  

The Disparity Study will work to ensure that minority-owned and woman-owned business (MWDBEs) and LGBTQ+ have access to equitable opportunities to government contracts and will examine the effects of marketplace discrimination.  

“Creating opportunities for our diverse business community is one of the ways that we can transform our city into a city for all,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “I am thankful for the regional partnership, and it is a shining example of what it looks like to come together to create a better future for everyone in Pittsburgh.”  Over the past two and a half years Mayor Ed Gainey has been working towards creating more opportunities for our local small and diverse businesses to thrive. Through these efforts the City has been engaging in a Procurement Modernization Process that has led to increased opportunities for all. 

New pre-bid policies with better and more dedicated outreach efforts have seen attendance at pre-bid meetings rise from an average of 5 contractors attending to over 20.  

The rise in attendance has also seen an increase in overall MWDBE participation, which is up 3% from the previous year. Last year three Black-owned businesses were selected as prime contracts for major projects; Homewood Field, the DPW 4th Division, and the Comprehensive City Plan. Prior to the modernization efforts, from 2017-2022 there had only been four Black-owned businesses to win a prime contract on either construction projects in excess of $250,000 or professional services in excess of $50,000.  

The changes also resulted in the first certified LGBTQ+ business participating as a subcontractor on an approved contract, and the city now has a list of over 40 certified LGBTQ+ businesses.   

Yesterday the City convened a stakeholder briefing that included 40 local members of the MWDBE, LGBTQ+ business community to provide an overview of the process and share details about the progress made with the modernization effort, and why the disparity study is a critical tool for the community.  

The last disparity study completed by the City of Pittsburgh was conducted over two decades ago, with data being used from 1996-1998. The new study will be a critical tool to help create more equitable opportunities for small diverse businesses in our city. 

What it will do:  

• Determines the relative availability of minority-owned and women-owned businesses that are ready, willing and able to do business with the Study Consortium members within the relevant market area(s);   
• Identifies the nature of, and determines the extent to which, any barriers may have resulted in disparities in the utilization of available M/WBEs in public and private sector contracts;    
• Analyzes the contracting and procurement data of each Study Consortium member to determine its respective M/WBE utilization, as well as the Study Consortium’s collective utilization as a whole, of minority-owned and women-owned business enterprises;   
• Determines the extent to which any identified disparities in the utilization of available minority and women owned businesses by any member of the Study Consortium, and by the Study Consortium as a whole, might be impacted by discrimination;    
• Identifies and summarizes related findings from previous disparity studies and research encompassing the relevant marketplace from which Study Consortium members routinely purchase goods and services;    
• Analyzes the effectiveness of various race- and gender-neutral remedies and practices previously undertaken in the relevant marketplace; and    
• Recommends programs, policies, and practices that are narrowly tailored to remedy the effects of any identified discrimination and to reduce or eliminate any other marketplace barriers that adversely affect the utilization of such minority and women owned businesses by Study Consortium members.   

Benefits of the Study:  

• Economic Impact Analysis - to determine the broader economic development impacts from any race- and gender-conscious programs and policies that have been operating in the relevant geographic market over the course of the Study Period.  Analyze and assess economic impacts generated by the administration of such programs and policies within the relevant geographic market.  
• Regional database of MWDBE, LGBTQ+ vendors by industry  
• Vendor Survey – collect and incorporate vendor experience and input  
• List of remedies, measures, and recommendations to address identified disparity and barriers (both race-and-gender-conscious and race-and-gender neutral)  
• Data evidence to continue to support and/or modify our current programs  
• MWBE, LGTBQIA+ participation goals that are industry specific 

"The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh maintains a steadfast commitment to providing business opportunities to minority-owned, women-owned and small businesses and has consistently exceeded our goals of 18% MBE and 7% WBE participation," said HACP Executive Director Caster D. Binion. "We're committed to furthering our efforts to encourage minority business participation and are proud to join the City of Pittsburgh in the Pittsburgh Regional Disparity Study."   

“The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority is proud to have a robust supplier diversity program and we remain committed to providing procurement opportunities for diverse businesses,” said Will Pickering PWSA’s CEO. “Participating in this regional study will provide an additional tool to enhance and improve our program.” 

A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on August 29th at 10am in the Learning Lab conference room located on the 6th floor of the City County Building, 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Attendees should use the elevators located on the Grant Street side of the building to access the 6th floor. This meeting will also be held via Microsoft Teams.  

For more information about the study, including timelines for submitting questions and proposal deadlines visit: Project overview (opengov.com) 

Pitt has appointed Eboni M. Zamani-Gallaher as the new Renèe and Richard Goldman Dean of the School of Education.

Since Zamani-Gallaher joined Pitt in 2022, her scholarship has secured nearly $10.5 million in funding from the National Science Foundation, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Lumina Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other organizations. She stepped into her new position May 1 following a rigorous national search led by Vice Provost Lu-in Wang and School of Social Work Dean Betsy Farmer.

Before she became interim dean in August, Zamani-Gallaher was a professor in the Department of Educational Foundations, Organizations and Policy. Her research areas include equitable participation in higher education, transfer and retention policies and racial equity in postsecondary pathways.

“Eboni’s exceptional experience and expertise — and her demonstrated and deep dedication to the mission-vision of the School of Education and the work of its faculty, students, staff and alumni — make her the ideal choice for charting the course for the school’s next chapter,” said Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Joseph McCarthy in a May 6 announcement.

Zamani-Gallaher earned her doctorate in educational organization and leadership from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Education, where she was a professor and the director of the Office for Community College Research and Leadership. Additionally, she served as associate head of Illinois’ Department of Education Policy, Organization and Leadership and as associate dean of its Graduate College.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Zamani-Gallaher holds leadership positions in several professional organizations, such as the executive director of the Council for the Study of Community Colleges and the president-elect of the Association for the Study of Higher Education.

She’s also a member of the Community College Review Editorial Board, an advisory board member for the Institute for Women’s Policy Research and a committee member with the Black Learner Excellence Expert Advisory Committee. 

— Donovan Harrell

County Executive Sara Innamorato announced the hires of two key positions in her office. Lauren DeDomenic will serve as the Deputy Chief of Staff of Policy and Partnerships and Ed Nusser will serve as Director of Housing Strategy.

County Executive Innamorato said: “I’m delighted that these two dynamic community leaders have decided to join my administration. In her role as Deputy Chief of Staff of Policy and Partnerships, Lauren will build on many of the private sector and non-profit sector relationships she’s developed during her deep community work in Pittsburgh. As our Director of Housing Strategy, a new position for Allegheny County, Ed will bring deep expertise and much needed creativity and cross-partner thinking to lead a comprehensive vision for the county around the critical topic of housing.”

Lauren DeDomenic most recently served as a Community Affairs Specialist for Highmark Health. While at Highmark, Lauren worked with community-based organizations to sustain and develop programs and initiatives to better their communities through support from Highmark. She furthered workforce development programs, and created, planned and implemented multiple programs to address Social Determinants of Health. During the pandemic, Lauren managed distributions for food, PPE, personal hygiene products and resources for remote learning. Lauren established a centralized database for Northside residents and others so they could access COVID resources, updates, and a network for those struggling with isolation. Through vaccine clinics, Lauren helped mitigate vaccine hesitancy within the Pittsburgh’s Black community and refugee community.  Prior to her time at Highmark, she held several positions at the North Side Leadership Conference from 2015 to 2021 and was the Business District Coordinator for Uncover Squirrel Hill.

Lauren has volunteered with several local organizations including Beverly’s Birthdays, EmployHER Pittsburgh, and Dress for Success. She’s been recognized by the New Pittsburgh Courier as a Fab 40 Recipient and she holds a B.A. in Urban Studies and Architectural Studies from the University of Pittsburgh.

Ed Nusser is the founding Executive Director of City of Bridges Community Land Trust, a position he has held since 2019. As Executive Director, Ed has been responsible for the operation and administration of City of Bridges Community Land Trust while working to activate the organization’s vision toward “diverse communities where people thrive, build wealth, establish roots, and foster community ties without risk of displacement.” Under Ed’s leadership, City of Bridges Community Land Trust has created and stewarded more than 30 permanently affordable homes with 25 additional homes under construction.

Ed was born and raised in Allegheny County and is a two-time graduate of the University of Pittsburgh where he earned his BA in Economics & Political Science and his MPA in Urban Affairs & Nonprofit Management from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). He also holds the National Development Council’s certification for Housing Finance Professionals.

Lauren and Ed join previously announced leaders in Innamorato’s office including Deputy Chief of Staff for Intergovernmental Affairs Ernest Rajakone and Chief of Staff Grant Gittlen. Learn more about the Innamorato Administration staff here. 

Preston Moore, a Pittsburgh-area Realtor®, was installed as the 101st president of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® during a ceremony last night in Harrisburg. Moore, a Realtor® for more than 20 years, is the first Black member to serve as president of the more than 100-year-old organization.

Moore, a sales associate with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Hampton Township office, was sworn into office by Annie Hanna Cestra, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. Hanna Cestra also serves on the State Real Estate Commission.

Moore talked about why representation matters during his installation speech, urging members to make connections with multicultural organizations. “Representation matters because it encourages others to aspire and to dream about serving our organization, our institutions and our country. I urge you to look for ways to help bridge the gap in homeownership, learn more about the multicultural organizations, get more involved in your local and state associations and encourage others to join the real estate profession,” he said.

A member of the Realtors® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, Moore served as president of the association and was named RAMP’s Realtor® of the Year in 2016. He was previously a PAR District 10 vice president and has been a member of the Diversity, Horizons, Finance and Standard Forms committees.

Moore began his professional career in public accounting, banking and finance. He also owns rental properties in Pittsburgh. Additionally, he has worked with and served on the Landlord Advisory Council for the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania and the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh. Moore is a volunteer with the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Ring Day, the Light of Life Rescue Mission and the Daily Bread feeding program.

A graduate of Purdue University, Moore received a bachelor’s degree in economics, and he holds an MBA in accounting/finance from the University of Pittsburgh.

PAR’s 2023 President Al Perry was recognized for his service last year.

“2023 had its share of challenges that have rocked our industry to the core,” Perry said. “But as I look around this room, I am reminded of our incredible work ethic. I am reminded of our deep passion for what we do. I am reminded of the respect we have for each other. I am reminded of our spirit of cooperation. And I am reminded of our ability to learn and grow. I look forward to 2024 because I know the collective of strength of who we have here in this room fighting for our cause.”

Also during the ceremony, State Real Estate Commissioner Kyle Sampson installed the following PAR officers: President-elect Bill Lublin, Bucks County Association; First Vice President David Dean, RAMP; and Treasurer Eric Rehling, Tri-County Suburban Realtors®.

In addition, Sampson installed PAR’s district vice presidents: District 1, Stephanie Biello of the Greater Philadelphia Association; District 2, Vince Range of TCSR; District 3, Janet Tarity of the Bucks County Association; District 4, Alexa Sanchez of the Pocono Mountains Association; District 5, Sherrie Miller of the Greater Scranton Board; District 6, Glenn Yoder of the Lancaster County Association; District 7, Kevin Hodrick of the West Branch Valley Association; District 8, Louann Hoffman of the Allegheny Highland Association; District 9, Mark Kibbe of the Greater Erie Board; and District 10, Jim Jarrett of RAMP.

The Heinz Endowments is thrilled to welcome Jasmin DeForrest as its new managing director of Creativity. Ms. DeForrest brings two decades of philanthropic grantmaking and nonprofit leadership to her new role, including a deep commitment to closing racial, socioeconomic and gender gaps while providing opportunities within the creative community.

Prior to joining the Endowments’ team, Ms. DeForrest was senior director for Arts and Culture at the Detroit-based Gilbert Family Foundation, where she led a strategy that included increasing equitable access to creativity-related programming. Born and raised in Detroit, she also served as community sponsorships director for the Rocket Community Fund, a sister organization to the Gilbert Family Foundation.

“The Heinz Endowments is deeply committed to the arts as part of a thriving community. That’s why we looked for insightful leadership to navigate the issues the region is facing,” Mr. DeCardy said. “We believe that Jasmin will bring that insight and along with the enthusiasm and experience required for us to best play our part in supporting the transformation for an even stronger arts community in the future.” 

Among the impactful and innovative programing Ms. DeForrest created in Detroit is the Digital Access for the Arts Program, which was created in collaboration with the nonprofit arts coalition CultureSource to provide arts and cultural organizations with the tools needed to safely serve their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and which continues to offer arts groups educational resources, technical assistance, and access to research and data. 

Highlighting her commitment to community engagement and ensuring all have access to art, she developed Detroit Out Loud, the Gilbert Family Foundation’s first free community festival, and the Small Business Murals Project, which gifted 40 murals to small businesses across Detroit while hiring more than 30 local artists to participate in the program.

“The opportunities in Pittsburgh’s arts and culture sector that I am looking forward to working on first start with learning and listening,” said Ms. DeForrest. “As an entrepreneur at heart, I view artists and creators as entrepreneurs contributing to the economy. Strengthening support structures for artists to increase pathways for sustained economic mobility will be a priority.”

Learn more about Jasmin DeForrest

 The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is proud to announce Dr. La Dawn Robinson as the new Pittsburgh Regional Director. Dr. Robinson's first day was Monday, January 8.

Prior to the role of Regional Director, Dr. Robinson devoted more than 20 years in the field of Human Resources where she served in multiple management roles and lead multiple HR functions, such as Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action, Talent Acquisition, and Employee Relations. She holds a Doctorate degree in Executive Leadership from the University of Charleston, a Master of Science degree in Professional Leadership from Carlow University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from West Virginia University. 

"We look forward to great things from Dr. Robinson as the Pittsburgh Regional Director," said PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW. "Dr. Robinson's strong experience of leadership will serve not only the Pittsburgh region but also the entire commonwealth. I am excited for what she will do in this role to bring justice to all those who are discriminated against."

"I am excited to join the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission," said Dr. Robinson. "It is a heavy responsibility bestowed on this commission and I look forward to working every day to ensure that the rights of all Pennsylvania citizens are being respected and protected. More specifically, this role will allow me to continue my passion for equal employment opportunity in the workplace."

PHRC is the state's leading civil rights enforcement agency. The Pittsburgh Regional Office serves 23 counties in the commonwealth.  Dr. Robinson's role is to manage the daily operations of the office, direct the investigative work of the staff, as well as to conduct outreach and training for the communities in which the office serves. Dr. Robinson is the first woman to serve as the Pittsburgh Regional Director in its 68 years of existence. More Information and resources about the PHRC are available at www.PHRC.pa.gov. 

Duquesne Light Holdings (DLH), which encompasses Duquesne Light Company, The Efficiency Network and DQE Communications, today announced the promotion of Samantha Hartzman to head of social impact and chief diversity officer, effective Aug. 1. Hartzman, who previously served as the organization’s senior manager of environmental, social and governance (ESG) and corporate giving, will further build upon DLH’s culture of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as it continues advancing the region’s clean energy future.

“As DLH makes greater strides in delivering a clean energy future for our customers and communities, we remain steadfast in our work to have a positive social impact,” said Christine Waller, vice president of communications and corporate responsibility at DLH. “As Sam creates a performance framework to enhance our DEI initiatives, we’ll be able to drive even better and more inclusive results that benefit our workforce, customers and region. Additionally, as we conducted deliberate and thoughtful efforts to find the right candidate for this critical role, we leveraged the opportunity to reflect on our strengths and opportunities through meaningful dialogue with members of the DEI community, and I believe that these trusted partnerships will continue to be an essential ingredient to our success.”

Following a comprehensive internal and external search, the decision to promote Hartzman demonstrates DLH’s commitment to empower leaders who have a proven and positive influence on the organization and those it serves. Hartzman’s new role also further aligns the company’s DEI aspirations to broader social impact initiatives as part of its ESG journey. 

“Sam’s vision for the untapped potential of our culture, community initiatives and ESG efforts stood out as strengths in her candidacy for this incredibly important position,” added Kevin Walker, president and CEO at DLH. “Under her leadership, we will continue to amplify our efforts to create a workplace that is inclusive and equitable for all and representative of the diversity that enriches our region, while also supporting the vibrant and unique neighborhoods where we work and live.”

Hartzman has a bachelor’s degree in English and American studies from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also recently graduated from The Advanced Leadership Institute'sExecutive Leadership Academy, delivered in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. The program includes executive coaching and mentoring and provides hands-on guidance from renowned academic and industry experts.

Hartzman resides in the North Hills with her husband and son.

Ray Roundtree has been named Senior Vice President of Comcast's Keystone Region, overseeing the organization's operational, strategic and financial performance across areas serving western, central and northeastern Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia and the Maryland panhandle. The Region is headquartered in Pittsburgh, where Roundtree is based.

"With his industry expertise and broad experience running major markets, Ray will be a great leader for the Keystone Region," said Amy Lynch, President of Comcast's Northeast Division, which includes 14 northeastern states from Maine through Virginia and the District of Columbia. "I know Ray will be successful in continuing to deliver our innovative products and services to area homes and businesses--keeping them connected to what matters most."

Roundtree joined Comcast in 2000 as Director of Business Operations for Chester and Lancaster counties and has since served in several financial management leadership roles at Comcast during his 22 years at the company. He most recently served as Vice President of Finance for Comcast's Beltway Region, which is based in Baltimore.

"I'm thrilled to come back to Comcast's Keystone Region to lead a team that's creating awesome experiences for our customers and employees," said Roundtree. "My family and I are grateful to be able to continue my career journey in a part of the country where we have deep roots."

Roundtree holds a B.S. in Finance and an MBA from Penn State University where he was a wide receiver for the 1986 national championship Nittany Lions.

Adam W. McKinney Will Serve as Organization’s Seventh Artistic Director Beginning March 2023

After a comprehensive international search aided by Management Consultants for the Arts (MCA), the Board of Directors of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) announced today the appointment of Adam W. McKinney as artistic director. He will be the company’s seventh artistic director in its rich 54-year-history. McKinney, PBT’s first artistic director of color, will begin his role in March 2023.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Adam W. McKinney as Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s next artistic director,” said President and Board Chair Mary McKinney Flaherty. ”After an extensive search, expertly led by search committee chairs Dr. Melonie Nance and Rich Beaty and guided by PBT’s historical strengths and established strategic goals, Adam became the clear choice to lead PBT’s next era. We believe Adam will be a transformative artistic director  for our organization and leader in our community and throughout the world of ballet.”

McKinney has a diverse and accomplished background in arts leadership across the globe, having served as an arts organization director, tenured professor, choreographer, dancer, educator and activist. He is a gifted teacher of classical ballet whose expertise lies in creating environments that support the training and development of artists. He will continue in the legacy of his predecessors by centering classical ballet repertoire as well as introducing new contemporary works and choreographers to Pittsburgh audiences. He strongly believes in building community connections and in making dance accessible to everyone.

“I am honored and excited to lead PBT into a new era as its seventh artistic director,” said McKinney. “Internally, I most look forward to building upon PBT’s significant ballet legacy by curating meaningful and innovative season programming, working with and mentoring company artists and PBT School students and developing relationships with the PBT staff. Many have prepared PBT and me for this moment, which I do not take lightly. Together we have an extraordinary opportunity to build PBT and Pittsburgh’s arts and culture ecology. Externally, I am moved to meet the people of Pittsburgh. Under my leadership, I will work to develop relationships in and with the broader communities to ensure that all people know that they are welcome and belong at PBT.”

“We are so excited to welcome Adam to PBT,” stated Acting Executive Director Kathryn Gigler. “He brings with him incredible creativity, energy and kindness and his leadership is going to have such a positive impact at PBT and in Pittsburgh.”

McKinney joins the ranks of PBT’s distinguished artistic directors, including founding artistic director Nikolas Petrov; Patricia Wilde, who from 1982 to 1996 invigorated the company with the works of contemporary choreographers; Terrence S. Orr, who led the company from 1997 to 2020, and elevated its repertoire through artistic vision and creative collaboration; and Susan Jaffe, whose tenure from 2020 to 2022 included launching the Open Air outdoor ballet series and spearheading digital programming, including the award-winning Fireside Nutcracker. McKinney succeeds Jaffe, now artistic director at American Ballet Theatre.

About Adam W. McKinney

Adam W. McKinney has a diverse and accomplished background in arts leadership across the globe, having served as an arts organization director, tenured professor, choreographer, dancer, educator and activist. McKinney was most recently an Associate Professor of Dance in Ballet with tenure in the School for Classical & Contemporary Dance at Texas Christian University. There he taught courses in classical ballet, modern dance and choreography. He was the Co-Director/Co-Founder of DNAWORKS, an arts and service organization committed to healing through the arts and dialogue. Previously, he was the inaugural Dance Department Chair at New Mexico School for the Arts in Santa Fe.

He has danced with some of the world’s preeminent dance companies, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Béjart Ballet Lausanne (Switzerland), Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet and Milwaukee Ballet Company.

McKinney has led dance work with diverse populations across the U.S. and North America, and in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. A leader who is committed to making ballet and dance accessible to all, he served as a U.S. Embassy Culture Connect Envoy to South Africa through the U.S. State Department. McKinney has created community social justice and awareness projects including the interactive Fort Worth Lynching Tour: Honoring the Memory of Mr. Fred Rouse and “The Borders Project” at the Mexico/U.S. and Palestine/Israel borders. He was also honored with the NYU President’s Service Award for his dance work with populations who struggle with heroin addiction.  

McKinney was named one of the most influential African Americans in Milwaukee by St. Vincent DePaul. He holds a BFA in Dance Performance with high honors with a focus on classical ballet from Butler University and an MA in Dance Studies with concentrations in Race and Trauma theories from the Gallatin School at New York University.

After an extensive national search process, Andrew Medlar, President & Director, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, announced the appointment of Deborah J. Rogers, Ph.D. as the Library’s first Director of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA). In this newly formed senior level position, Dr. Rogers will be responsible for the development, implementation and management of strategies to align library services, programs, practices and policies with the 127-year institution’s stated mission, values and IDEA principles. In addition, she will collaborate with library departments to improve system-wide efforts in staff recruiting and retention, marketing campaigns and public service programs.

More than 100 applicants from 17 states were considered for the position. Dr. Rogers will officially join the organization on February 20, 2023.     

“Deborah’s roots as a dynamic leader in efforts toward inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) are right here in Pittsburgh,” said Medlar. “As a proud graduate of PPS’ former Schenley High School she is no stranger to our Main Library in Oakland. We are delighted to welcome her home and very fortunate to have an educator of her caliber join our team. I’m looking forward to working with Deborah as we work toward our next strategic plan.” 

Medlar continued, “IDEA principles are core to the mission and values of the Library and have been integral in our work across the organization for many years. To remove systemic barriers to literacy and learning, we are committed to changing how historic and current structures of racism and marginalization directly affect our mission and organizational culture. For the past five years we have intentionally built an internal framework that contains a dedicated Board of Trustee IDEA Committee, staff-led Affinity Groups, as well as a staff EDI Committee to support this important work.”    

Dr. Rogers is the current co-chair for the Women of Color, Scholarship, Teaching and Activism Unit of the American Academy of Religion. Prior to her appointment at CLP, she served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Theology, Culture and Practice of Ministry at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (CRCDS) in Rochester, NY. During her career, Dr. Rogers also served in various positions at Lane College, a Historically Black College located in Jackson, TN, including Vice President for Academic Affairs; Division Chair; Assistant Professor of Religion; Director of Lane Institute; and Assistant Chaplain. She also led efforts to develop a 2.5-acre urban farm. As the inaugural director of Lane Institute, Dr. Rogers led institution-wide initiatives to equip students, faculty, staff and administrators to utilize trauma-informed approaches to student support services and peer leadership. This included the development of a “Make it Write” program which provided students with healing-centered modalities for processing emotions through creative writing.  

Dr. Rogers earned a Ph.D. in Theology and Culture from Fuller Theological Seminary, an M.A.T. from Fuller Seminary and a B.S. in Mathematics from Howard University. Her current research and writing interests include literacy, literary theory and embodied discourse; creativity, play and leadership development; black feminist and womanist thought; and food justice.  

“As a Pittsburgher at heart I’m excited by this opportunity to return to my home town to expand upon the Library’s IDEA work,” said Dr. Rogers. “I’m very much looking forward to collaborating with staff, other nonprofits and our community to advance CLP’s role as an anchor institution.”

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Board Chair Richard Harshman announced  that Kendra Whitlock Ingram has been named the Cultural Trust’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, replacing retiring President and CEO J. Kevin McMahon.

A Duquesne University graduate and current President and CEO of the Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee, WI, Ingram has held senior roles in performing arts management at some of the country’s most venerable arts institutions. Ingram will be the second female President & CEO and first person of color to be at the Cultural Trust’s helm in its 38-year history.

“Kendra’s boundless enthusiasm and breadth of experience managing a broad range of art forms have made her the number one choice to lead the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust at this important time in its history,” states Harshman. “There are so many exciting Trust projects launching now and on the horizon for which she is uniquely suited. We look forward to welcoming Kendra back to Pittsburgh to help lead the Cultural District as the Trust continues to revitalize Downtown and bring audiences back in large numbers to our theaters, galleries, public art installations, and festivals.”

David Holmberg, Highmark Health President and CEO, Cultural Trust Board Trustee, and the Chair of the search committee adds: “We were very fortunate to attract a highly qualified pool of candidates from around the globe. Kendra’s authenticity and vision especially stood out. She is going to be a hands-on leader who is positioned extraordinarily well to amplify areas where the Cultural Trust has excelled including collaboration, creativity, and innovation.”

“The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s growing regional, national, and international reputation for employing the arts as a community builder and economic catalyst is just one of the many reasons that I’m heading back to my college town,” states Ingram. “The Trust is a dynamic and truly impactful organization with a proven track record of accomplishment and leadership. I am honored and excited to have this opportunity to start a new chapter and build on the incredible story of Pittsburgh’s Downtown and vibrant Cultural District.”

Ingram brings more than 20 years of senior management performing arts experience to the role. Prior to her work at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, she served as Executive Director of the Newman Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Denver, as well as Vice President of Programming and Education at the Omaha Performing Arts Center. Ingram has also held leadership roles with the Shenandoah Conservatory, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Phoenix Symphony Orchestra and Tulsa Philharmonic. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Duquesne University, a master’s degree in business administration, from the University of Nebraska – Omaha and is an alumna of the League of American Orchestras’ Orchestra Management Fellowship Program. In 2021, Ingram was named to the Milwaukee Biz Times Notable Minority Executives List and was recently named as an honoree for the 2022 Milwaukee Business Journal’s “Women of Influence.”

Ingram serves on the Board of Governors for The Broadway League as well as the Board of Directors for Arts Midwest, National Arts Strategies, LACNA Foundation, and Black Arts MKE. She recently served as Co-Chair of the Arts and Culture Advisory Council for America 250, the U.S Semiquincentennial Commission established to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States. Ingram is a Full Tony-Voting Member of The Broadway League.

A Scranton, PA, native, Ingram and her husband Ben, a surgical oncology physician assistant, will be relocating to Pittsburgh for her new role with their two cats Larry and Lil Mama. In her spare time, she enjoys training for and participating in triathlons, practicing Handel piano suites, and attending a wide variety of performances.  She begins her tenure at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust on February 1, 2023. 

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh announced today  (6-2-2022) that Gina Winstead will be joining the organization on July 1 as Vice President for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA). As a member of Carnegie Museums’ executive leadership, Winstead will be a highly visible leader working with colleagues across the institution to embed equity into its operations, culture, and programming. 

“With her knowledge of the field, her collaborative style, her strong commitment to change, and her deep roots in Pittsburgh, I have no doubt that Gina Winstead is the ideal person to serve as our inaugural Vice President for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility,” said Steven Knapp, President and CEO of Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. “I am grateful to the staff who make up our IDEA Council for recommending the creation of this position, and I look forward to the progress I know we will make with the benefit of Gina’s thoughtful and inspirational guidance.”

Winstead comes to Carnegie Museums from Vibrant Pittsburgh, a regional thought leader in workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion, where she served as Assistant Vice President of Membership Development & External Relations, responsible for collaborating with 150 members and community partners on equity and diversity best practices. Prior to that, she worked for the Pittsburgh Technology Council as Director of Member Engagement and its first-ever Director of Diversity & Inclusion. Winstead has also worked part-time as a vice president with Women in Tech PGH, a group that partners with organizations to remove barriers for women to succeed in the technology industry.  

“I am excited to work with my colleagues at Carnegie Museums and our many partners in the community to move our IDEA initiatives forward,” Winstead said. “The future of Carnegie Museums belongs to everyone, and I look forward to playing a role in its efforts to attract, retain, and elevate diverse employees and ensure that all people see themselves reflected in the museums’ programming.

“I think the world should be better connected to all of the resources Carnegie Museums has to offer, most notably its people,” Winstead added. “I’m eager to help open doors and create greater access for those that have felt underestimated or underrepresented.”

Among her volunteer roles, Winstead serves on the boards of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, and she was a founding board member of the 412 Black Jewish Collaborative and a member of the Allegheny Conference’s Talent Committee. She attended Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business Executive Leadership and Negotiation Academy, is a graduate of the EDGE Women’s Leadership program, and earned her Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on Social Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. 

Carnegie Museums’ search for a Vice President for IDEA was led in partnership with Koya Partners, the executive search firm with an exclusive focus on recruiting senior leaders to mission-driven roles.

Jonathan Bailey Holland will join Carnegie Mellon University as the Jack G. Buncher Chair and new head of the School of Music beginning Aug. 1. Most recently, Holland served as chair of composition, contemporary music and core studies at Boston Conservatory at Berklee, a position he has held since 2016 in addition to serving as professor of composition.

After earning his bachelor's degree in composition from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, Holland earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University.

His educational, academic and professional experience spans public and private institutions; world-class conservatory and university training; and urban music college and conservatory instruction — all of which have helped to shape his vision of the necessary elements to nurture artistic acumen and proficiency.

Holland joined Berklee College of Music in 2000 as assistant professor of composition, later being named associate professor and full professor there, serving on various committees and contributing to curriculum review initiatives. From 2005 to 2017, he worked with the Educational Testing Service in Ewing, N.J. on the development of advanced placement music theory examinations and co-lead professional development seminars for music theory teachers. In 2016, he became part of the Curtis Summerfest Young Artist Summer Program faculty and in 2021 served as the Institute's Sphinx Performance Academy Composition faculty. That same year, he was a guest faculty member at the Composer's Institute of the Lake George Music Festival. Holland also served on the faculty at Vermont College of Fine Arts where he helped to establish a low-residency MFA program in music composition — one of the first of its kind.

An acclaimed composer, Holland has been commissioned by the American Composers Orchestra, the American Guild of Organists and Arx Duo, and his work has been performed by such artists and ensembles as the LA Philharmonic, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Eighth Blackbird, as well as Awadagin Pratt and Roomful of Teeth. He served as the first ever composer-in-residence with the Cincinnati Symphony, which included curating a concert at the National Freedom Center Underground Railroad Museum, and leading a young composers competition. Recent honors and awards include a Brother Thomas Fellowship from The Boston Foundation, an Artist Fellowship from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and a Fromm Commission from the Fromm Foundation at Harvard. He is the recipient of a just-announced 2022 Guggenheim Music Fellowship and will serve as an artist-in-residence at Civitella Ranieri in Italy during summer 2023.

He believes that one of the most important aspects of his role as the new head of the CMU School of Music will be to continue his history of fostering a sense of community among various areas of study within the school. His plans also include curriculum and program development, and a continued commitment to school- and college-wide initiatives centered on diversity, equity and inclusion.

"I look forward to continuing and expanding the opportunities available within and beyond the Carnegie Mellon School of Music," Holland said. "The future of our field is evolving at an ever-increasing rate of speed, and today's students need to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to be agile and adaptable to the ways in which music is made and experienced, while remaining rooted in the foundations of the artform. Carnegie Mellon is uniquely equipped to achieve these goals, and I am excited to help lead the school into its next chapter."

"Jonathan Bailey Holland is a celebrated creator of new music, a devoted and inspiring teacher, and a leader known for building community," said Mary Ellen Poole, dean of the College of Fine Arts at CMU. "We are in very good hands for the adventures ahead."

Poole also extended her thanks to the search committee members and the School of Music's Student Advisory Board for their tireless work, which culminated in Holland's appointment.

"We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the search advisory committee, chaired by our unflappable and persistent Senior Associate Dean Eric Anderson, and ably supported by Sharon Guberman," she said. "Members were Frederic Chiu, Daniel Nesta Curtis, Thomas Douglas, Jocelyn Dueck, Ross Garin, Megan Grady, Micah Howard, Annie Hui-Hsin Hsieh, Lance LaDuke, Stephen Neely and Alexa Woloshyn."

Source:  CMU

  PNC Bank today announces that Gina Coleman will lead the bank’s diversity and inclusion efforts as Chief Diversity Officer, effective Jan. 1, 2022. She succeeds Marsha Jones, who has successfully led PNC’s Diversity and Inclusion efforts for the past decade, and who is retiring.

As Chief Diversity Officer, Coleman will help to develop strategies and programs that allow PNC to build and sustain a talented, diverse workforce, and further a culture of inclusion at PNC. She will also co-chair the PNC Corporate Diversity Council with William S. Demchak, PNC chairman, president and chief executive officer, to focus on embedding inclusion into every aspect of the organization. 

“PNC has long embraced diversity and inclusion as core values, and we are excited to have Gina in this role to be a partner in developing strategies that allow us to recruit, retain and advance diverse talent at PNC,” said Demchak. “Gina will also help to ensure that PNC continues our commitment to growing an increasingly diverse customer base by supporting business initiatives geared toward understanding the unique financial needs of our customers and the communities where our employees live and work.”

Coleman has previously held roles within PNC, most recently as the Client and Community Relations director in the regional president’s office for the Detroit market. In that role, she was responsible for managing PNC’s local PNC Foundation giving, corporate initiatives; marketing, client relations, and community outreach. She also has held roles within PNC’s Workplace Banking, Community Development Banking and Wealth Management. Coleman rejoined PNC in Aug. 2021 after serving as chief sales officer for MassMutual Great Lakes, where she led the new advisor sales teams, including a female financial services group, recruiting, strategic sales, and partnerships.

In 2018, Coleman was recognized as a PNC Performance Award winner, the highest employee recognition honor. Within PNC, Coleman is widely respected for her commitment to leading financial education efforts, building market and community partnerships, and driving engagement in PNC’s market-level diversity and inclusion initiatives. This includes serving as a PNC-Certified Women’s Business Advocate and a founding member of PNC’s Women Connect Employee Business Resource Group. 

“It is a privilege to lead PNC’s diversity and inclusion efforts, particularly at this important moment in time,” said Coleman. “I do not take this responsibility lightly and understand that I am fortunate to be building on the foundation laid by Marsha Jones. She has led PNC through an inspiring D&I journey from inception of this role to present day. My vision is to move PNC’s efforts forward, with clear objectives and increased transparency that assess the impact of our D&I strategy on our colleagues, customers, community members, and shareholders. I am excited about the journey ahead.”

“As a long-time D&I champion and change-agent, Gina is the right person to receive this leadership baton from Marsha,” said Richard Bynum, PNC chief corporate responsibility officer. “Gina is committed to bringing her passion for people, her personal, entrepreneurial and business experience, and ‘drive for impact’ to this transformational role.”

Coleman currently serves as board chair for Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, and a board member with Beyond Basics, Detroit Public Schools Foundation, and Inforum Michigan. She is a member of the Greater Wayne County Chapter, The Links, Inc. Coleman graduated from Montclair State University in 1991 and is a graduate of Leadership Detroit Class of XXXVI.

Source: PNC

Denele, a Homewood native who holds degrees from University of Pittsburgh (B.A.) and Carnegie Mellon University (Master of Science, Public Policy & Management), is currently Grow Pittsburgh’s Director of Farm Education and has been with the organization for more than five years. In that time, she has been integral to expanding food access initiatives across Allegheny County, strengthening relationships with the community, and leading efforts to expand programs and seedling production at Grow Pittsburgh’s newest urban farm site, Garden Dreams Urban Farm & Nursery in Wilkinsburg.

“It has been such an honor and privilege to work at Grow Pittsburgh over the last five years with an amazing staff and community partners,” Denele said. “I am looking forward to stepping into this leadership role and continuing Grow Pittsburgh’s work to ensure everyone benefits from urban agriculture and has access to fresh produce.”

An exciting new phase of growth is already in progress with new greenhouse construction and site redevelopment underway at Garden Dreams. Denele will lead the completion of this project, which will increase capacity for urban farmers and gardeners by creating an agriculture hub and social enterprise in Wilkinsburg that will be home to a retail seedling business, new greenhouse space, youth job training program, an urban farmer workshare program, and an educational workshop series that will support the strong network of gardeners and urban farmers throughout Allegheny County for generations to come.

“We were looking for a leader who would build on the organization’s 15-year track record of seeding the work of urban agriculture in the region,” said Anne Marie Toccket, Chair of the Grow Pittsburgh Board of Directors. “After a national search, we were pleased to find that we needed to look no further than our own backyard: Denele Hughson, with her passion for our mission, extensive experience in farm education and production in our community, and can-do attitude for our next phase of growth, was the natural choice to be the next Executive Director.”

Grow Pittsburgh also bids a fond farewell to our outgoing Executive Director, Jake Seltman. “The board of directors thanks Jake for his years of passion, service, and vision at Grow Pittsburgh,” Toccket added. “Under his leadership, the organization grew in its financial position, internal culture and values, and became a household name in the work of backyard, schoolyard, and community gardening in Pittsburgh. His legacy is one that Grow Pittsburgh will benefit from for decades to come.”

Jake will be working closely with Denele early in this year to ensure a smooth transition. We are excited to have Denele take the lead on January 19, 2021.

After a comprehensive national search, Wanda Heading-Grant has been selected as Carnegie Mellon University's inaugural vice provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and chief diversity officer. Heading-Grant, who is currently vice president for DEI at the University of Vermont, will begin her new role at Carnegie Mellon on April 1. She will also hold a faculty appointment as Distinguished Service Professor in the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy.

During her 30-year tenure at the University of Vermont, Heading-Grant has advised senior leadership on essential policies, programs and strategies to achieve inclusive excellence while ensuring every member of the university community received the support necessary to thrive. She established programs and policies fundamental to the advancement of DEI, including tools to enhance and innovate employee performance and professional development opportunities.

Heading-Grant has been widely recognized for her dedication to social justice issues, her sponsorship of women leaders in higher education and her strong leadership that promotes well-being in the workplace and in the classroom.

Carnegie Mellon first committed in 2019 to establish a new vice provost position to lead a university-wide office dedicated to providing accountability, leadership and resources for DEI initiatives. In July 2020, CMU President Farnam Jahanian furthered this commitment as part of numerous actions in the university's official pledge to Confront Racism and Promote Equity and Inclusion.

“Bringing about a more diverse, inclusive and equitable future for Carnegie Mellon University requires sustained engagement from every member of this community and the commitment of university leadership at every level,” said Jahanian. “As a well-respected advocate and leader in higher education, Dr. Wanda Heading-Grant is a critical addition to the university leadership team and an invaluable asset to our community during this important journey. I look forward to relying on her significant expertise as we work towards ensuring all students, faculty and staff can find a sense of belonging at CMU and feel pride in our institution’s role in promoting a more equitable world.”

"The vice provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plays an integral role in promoting inclusivity and diversity, challenging the status quo and maintaining a robust dialogue centered around anti-racist practices and the research that supports it," said Carnegie Mellon Provost James H. Garrett Jr. "With a wealth of experience both professionally and with non-profit organizations and civil rights advisory committees, I am confident Dr. Heading-Grant will provide the strong leadership necessary to enact real and lasting changes in how CMU addresses racism, classism, sexism and the language of othering."

As the university's chief diversity officer, Heading-Grant will be instrumental in long-range DEI planning and implementation. This includes coordinating with each of the academic and administrative units in overseeing their five-year strategic DEI plans and college-based commitments. She also will oversee the Office of Title IX Initiatives and jointly oversee the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion with the Division of Student Affairs.

"What most attracted me to this role was Carnegie Mellon's willingness to identify the many isms that plague our society and name the echoes of oppression and privilege that still exists in our communities," Heading-Grant said. "There aren't many institutions of higher education that take this important first step of committing to the eradication and dismantling of racism. Throughout the search process it was clear to me that CMU had something quite special — an earnest charge to tackle and combat racism combined with a real desire to take their commitments to the next level through concrete action."

The creation of the new vice provost role came after months of educational preparation and listening, both within the university administration and across the broader campus community.

"Carnegie Mellon is so very fortunate to have attracted Dr. Heading-Grant to serve as its inaugural vice provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion," said Linda Babcock, Social and Decisions Sciences Department head and James M. Walton Professor in Economics in the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, who served as co-chair of the vice provost search committee. "Her vast experience leading change in the academy, her passion for and commitment to creating an anti-racist culture, and her ability to build trust and develop strong relationships among a diverse set of stakeholders make her an ideal choice for this important new role at CMU."

"In addition to Dr. Heading-Grant's extensive leadership experience, her support for and hands on approach to professional development in support of social justice goals, and her successful efforts to create bridges to communities external to the university greatly impressed the committee members and the community members who interviewed her, affirming her exemplary qualifications for our inaugural VP-DEI position," said fellow search committee co-chair Eric Anderson, associate professor in the School of Design and senior associate dean of the College of Fine Arts.

"Throughout the search process it was clear to me that CMU had something quite special — an earnest charge to tackle and combat racism combined with a real desire to take their commitments to the next level through concrete action." — Wanda Heading-Grant

"Dr. Heading-Grant is a highly regarded influencer and transformative leader for inclusive excellence and understands the importance of intersectionality in student engagement and has a legacy of uplifting student voices," said M. Shernell Smith, associate dean and executive director of the CMU Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion. "She stood out in the selection process as a trusted, highly visible and transparent leader who traverses the campus community with a lens focused on equity and collaborative learning. She models restorative justice practices in her daily interactions at the University of Vermont and I am very excited to see how our Carnegie Mellon DEI values will be realized under her leadership."

Shawn Blanton, the Trustee Professor of Electrical and Computing Engineering, has served as interim vice provost since September 2020. He will return to his role as a full-time faculty member in the College of Engineering this coming summer.

"We are grateful to professor Blanton for his willingness to serve in this interim role," Garrett said. "Shawn oversaw the expansion of our GEM fellowship program to meet the unique needs of underrepresented professional master's and doctoral students in all seven colleges and schools at the university. In addition, his focus on expansion of CMU's local community engagement provides a solid foundation for ongoing efforts to attract and retain underrepresented students from the Pittsburgh area as undergraduates."

"I also want to thank the search committee — and especially Eric, Linda and Associate Provost Becky Culyba who served as co-chairs — for their outstanding efforts throughout the process," Garrett added. "The committee's exceptional guidance and vision have allowed us to welcome the ideal leader for our new Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion."

Carnegie Mellon University is committed to the principle of equity as a partner to excellence as the foundation for ensuring that faculty, staff and students have the opportunity to succeed and to thrive at the university. To nurture and sustain this commitment, Carnegie Mellon strives to be a diverse community that reflects the gender, racial, ethnic and other demographic profiles of its regional, national and global constituencies. 

Source: CMU

Port Authority of Allegheny County announced today that human resources veteran Fonda Dusé has been chosen to fill its newly created position of director of diversity and inclusion.

She began her role on January 11.

Ms. Dusé is charged with implementing and leading Port Authority's agency-wide equity and inclusion strategy and program development; bringing external and emerging trends into the agency's cultural environment; analyzing current programs and policies to present recommendations for improvement; and developing and promoting training programs to enhance employee understanding on inclusion issues.

She reports to Inez Colon, Port Authority's chief human resources officer, as well as CEO Katharine Kelleman.

"The creation of this role was a critical step toward identifying, addressing and improving equity within our organization, and it will not be the last,” Kelleman said. “Through Fonda’s work we will initiate meaningful change that we hope will foster a safe, supportive and productive environment for all of our employees and the community we serve.

“We are very excited to bring Fonda on board. Her success is our success.”

Ms. Dusé has nearly two decades of human resources experience. She has successfully created, developed and implemented diversity and inclusion initiatives for 11 organizations in five different industries, including transportation and other government-regulated companies, and has developed multiple training programs, including a program on Diversity Awareness. Prior to joining Port Authority, she served as principal of her own company, iHR Pro LLC. 

Ms. Dusé earned her bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies from the University of Pittsburgh and her Master’s degree in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations from Saint Francis University. She also holds several certifications in HR-related areas.

K&L Gates Attorney Aims to Develop Sense of ‘Belonging’ in ACBA

– Pittsburgh-area attorney Regina Wilson will officially become the 116th President of the 5,500-member Allegheny County Bar Association on Monday, July 1. Her one-year term will end on June 30, 2025. She is the 12th woman – and just the third African-American woman – to hold the position.

“The Allegheny County Bar Association is a home for me,” Wilson said. “I have been very involved with the ACBA in many capacities throughout my legal career. To now be in a position as President to give back to the organization that has meant so much to me is both exciting and humbling.”

Wilson is a Senior Conflicts Risk Assessment Lawyer in the Office of the General Counsel at K&L Gates. In this position, she assesses legal risk and provides recommendations to mitigate risk and ensure compliance with firm-wide policies and procedures. She counsels lawyers in 48 worldwide offices on legal conflicts of interest issues, strategies and related business objectives of the firm. Wilson replaces Marla Presley, who completes her term on June 30.

“Regina has long been a tremendous asset for the ACBA and the entire legal profession in the Pittsburgh region,” said Presley. “She is going to excel as ACBA President. I’m proud to have Regina succeed me in this role, and I think I speak for everyone at the ACBA when I say that I’m excited about what’s ahead.”

Wilson said that nurturing a sense of “belonging” within the ACBA is her primary goal as president.

“The ACBA is the bar association for all of our members,” she said. “I want all of our members to not only feelwelcome at the ACBA, but to feel they belong. I really want to focus on the five pillars of belonging: feeling welcomed, known, included, supported and connected. That’s why I’m calling on all of my fellow members to commit to being welcoming, getting to know their fellow members as individuals, being inclusive and providing support and connection, both professionally and personally.”

Increasing diversity within the Pittsburgh Legal Community and connecting the bar association and its members with the community are among Wilson’s other goals for her presidential term.

About Regina Wilson

Wilson grew up in the Wilkinsburg and Penn Hills communities and attended the Ellis School in Shadyside. She currently lives in downtown Pittsburgh.

She graduated from Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and French, and a minor in Economics. She then attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, earning her juris doctorate in 2007. She also holds a Diploma of French Studies from L’Université Rennes 2 in France.

Wilson joined K&L Gates in 2011 the second largest law firm in Pittsburgh. She previously worked in the School and Municipal Law Practice group at Goehring Rutter & Boehm; she also served as a senior hearing committee member for District IV of the Pennsylvania Disciplinary Board.

Throughout her legal career, Wilson has been involved in numerous aspects of the ACBA. She served as the President of the former Homer S. Brown Law Association and led that organization’s transition into becoming the Homer S Brown Division of the ACBA. Ten years later, she again served as chair of the Homer S. Brown Division. She received the inaugural Homer S. Brown Division Young Leader Award.

Wilson also held key roles on the ACBA Board of Governors, Finance Committee, Nominating Committee and co-chaired the inaugural ACBA Ally Initiative cohort.

She also has held numerous leadership roles in the ACBA Young Lawyers Division, including serving as YLD Chair and as council member. She also chaired the ACBA Bar Leadership Committee, co-chaired the YLD Diversity Committee and the Children’s Holiday Party, and she served as a member of the YLD Public Service Committee. In 2018, she was named the ACBA’s Outstanding Young Lawyer.

Throughout her legal career, Wilson has been significantly involved with the Allegheny County Bar Foundation, where she has served on the Fellows Committee and the Attorneys Against Hunger Committee.

Wilson is the daughter of Dr. Roslynne Wilson and E. Clair Wilson. In her free time, she’s an avid reader, often reading five books at a time. She’s a member of the Aurora Reading Club of Pittsburgh.

Additional New Officers: In addition to Wilson serving as President, the Allegheny County Bar Association also announced the following officers for 2024-25: Amy Coco will serve as President-Elect; Joseph Froetschel will serve as Secretary; and Jesse Exilus will serve as Treasurer.

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About the ACBA

Chartered in 1870 and headquartered in downtown Pittsburgh, the Allegheny County Bar Association is a professional organization with more than 5,200 member attorneys, judges, district justices, legal administrators and paralegals.