Supports Increased Access to Capital for Diverse Entrepreneurs 

F.N.B. Corporation (NYSE: FNB) announced it is making a $2.5 million equity commitment to Black Tech Nation Ventures (BTN.vc), a majority Black-owned venture capital fund based in Pittsburgh, PA. BTN.vc provides funding and resources for Black-led technology startups and firms with diverse founders and teams, with a goal of enabling wealth creation for underrepresented entrepreneurs in FNB’s seven-state footprint and across the United States.

The investment in BTN.vc is part of FNB’s broader commitment to promote economic equality. Throughout its multistate footprint, the Company has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in initiatives that stimulate job growth, create affordable housing and small business opportunities, foster financial education and champion overall social and economic development.

“Black Tech Nation Ventures has a proven leadership team and a mission that aligns with our own focus on providing resources for diverse communities,” said Vincent J. Delie, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of F.N.B. Corporation and First National Bank. “We are confident that our partnership will deliver on FNB’s high standards for creating jobs and increasing access to capital and support for underrepresented business owners in our markets.”

Formed in 2021, BTN.vc is more than halfway to its initial $50 million fundraising goal. The venture capital fund intends to build a portfolio of 20 to 30 early-stage technology companies that have diverse founding teams and focus on software and/or other technical solutions. In addition to funding, BTN.vc connects entrepreneurs with education and consultative resources provided by its sister company, Black Tech Nation, a national community of Black technology professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs and industry partners.

Kelauni Jasmyn, a BTN.vc Founding Partner and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Black Tech Nation, said, “We are happy to be in partnership with FNB and appreciate their commitment to support Black Tech Nation Ventures’ mission to democratize access to VC capital and generate wealth for marginalized communities. Together, we can help ensure that Black tech founders receive equal access to investment opportunities. We look forward to working with FNB to create a substantial impact in tech and VC.”

The collaboration with BTN.vc advances FNB’s efforts to encourage growth in low– to moderate-income and marginalized communities. Prominently, the Company has taken action to enable the local community to take part in the significant economic benefits created by FNB Financial Center, its new headquarters in the Hill District in Pittsburgh, PA. The development has substantial requirements for participation by contracting firms with diverse ownership.

In addition, as part of its more than $200 million in loans, investments and grants in the Hill District, FNB has invested in programs that provide funding for local businesses and entrepreneurs, including: $5 million toward a proprietary real estate gap lending program; a $1 million Equity Equivalent (EQ2) Investment in the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh Avenues of Hope program to provide working capital for underrepresented contractors; and a $1 million equity contribution to Invest PGH, Inc., a Community Development Financial Institution, for its Accelerating Business Expansion Loan (ABEL) program.

FNB’s investment in BTN.vc was made through its mezzanine finance subsidiary, F.N.B. Capital Corporation. To learn more about FNB’s inclusive practices, visit the Diversity & Inclusion section of its website or review its overall community commitment in its Corporate Responsibility Report.

 May 5, 2022

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

 Duquesne University has named Pittsburgh City Police Commander and Chief of Staff Eric Holmes as the University's next chief of police and director of public safety.

Holmes succeeds Tom Hart, who retired at the end of March after more than 10 years of service to Duquesne. Chief Holmes starts Monday, May 23, 2022.  

"Eric Holmes brings to Duquesne a comprehensive law enforcement background that encompasses both municipality and university settings," said Doug Frizzell, vice president for student life. "He is proactive, forward-thinking and strategic in his work. His community-minded philosophy for law enforcement, coupled with a genuine interest in working with college students, made him immediately stand out in our national search."

Holmes will bring to Duquesne 25 years of law enforcement, security, risk management, and administrative experience, including deep expertise in campus and community relations-driven approaches to public safety. He started his career in higher education public safety working as a police officer at the University of Pittsburgh. Holmes also has extensive experience in higher education risk management and law enforcement.  

Holmes served as site liaison for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police when, in 2014, was one of six pilot sites selected to take part in the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice. He also served on the My Brother's Keeper Allegheny County/City of Pittsburgh committee. Holmes currently serves on the Pitt Institute of Politics Criminal Justice Racial Disparities study working group, having been appointed by Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald to serve this important effort.  

"I am honored to have been selected as the next chief of police and director of public safety for Duquesne University," Holmes said. "This is a natural step in my career and my personal aspirations because I live a principled life through faith and in service to others."  

Holmes oversaw the implementation of data-driven, intelligence-led policing in Pittsburgh with the establishment of the Bureau of Police Crime Analysis Unit and Real Time Crime Center. He currently serves on the Major Cities Chiefs Intelligence Commanders Committee. Additionally, Holmes has taught courses as adjunct faculty at local universities.  

"Among the most compelling characteristics that led us to select Eric Holmes as the new chief is that he has been consistently recognized as a leading driver of operational improvement, innovative outreach, community relationships, and diplomatic approaches to problem solving in his work," Frizzell said.    

In addition to a bachelor's in communication from Slippery Rock and a master's in criminal justice administration from Point Park University, Holmes is a graduate of The Advanced Leadership Institute in partnership with the Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business; the Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Police, Session #77; and the Naval Post Graduate School Executive Leaders Program. He also is an executive fellow with the National Police Institute.  

Holmes is a member of the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators and its government committee. His current and past work with professional and volunteer organizations includes the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences; Pittsburgh Regional Champions; Leadership Pittsburgh LDI XVIII; the YWCA Community Board of Directors; the City of Pittsburgh Human Relations Commission; and Amachi Pittsburgh. In addition, Holmes has been recognized with the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award and the New Pittsburgh Courier Man of Excellence Award.

The league announced on Monday a new diversity advisory committee -- which includes business leaders, academics, and former Houston Texans GM Rick Smith -- to review league and club policies in light of ongoing concerns over a lack of diversity in hiring.

There are currently five minority head coaches in the league.

"Today, the National Football League announced the creation of the NFL Diversity Advisory Committee, following its pledge last month to retain outside experts to review the league's diversity policies and practices," the league said in a news release. "The six-member committee will lend its expert, external perspective on industry best practices and will evaluate league and club diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategies and initiatives, including all hiring processes, policies and procedures, with a primary focus on senior-level coach and front office personnel positions.

"After completing this evaluation, the committee will provide comprehensive recommendations to the league office and club ownership for consideration."

In addition to Smith, the committee is comprised of:

Pamela Carlton, founder and president, Springboard

Peter Harvey, former N.J. Attorney General; partner, Patterson Belknap

Patricia Brown Holmes, managing partner, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila

Stefanie K. Johnson, associate professor, University of Colorado Boulder's Leeds School of Business

Don Thompson, CEO and founder, Cleveland Avenue, LLC, and former president and CEO, McDonald's Corporation.

"We've worked for years and made progress in many areas to ensure that staff and leaders in our office and at our clubs reflect the racial and gender makeup of America, but we have more work to do, particularly at the head coach and front-office level," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "This esteemed group's work will help us build a more inclusive league. We look forward to their recommendations -- and to continuing our conversations with other outside experts, community and civil rights leaders, Fritz Pollard Alliance and current and former players and coaches -- to make our efforts and those of the clubs more effective so that real and tangible results will be achieved."

Said Carlton: "I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with the NFL, a vitally important organization in the world of sports and in American culture, on such critical matters like DEI and its policies and practices related to hiring and retention. The other committee members and I look forward to completing a rigorous, independent analysis of how the NFL and its clubs approach diversity and inclusion to ensure that minority candidates have equitable opportunities at the highest levels."

Among the NFL's initiatives to enhance opportunities for minority coaching candidates, teams will now be required to hire a minority coach as an offensive assistant, NFL Network's Judy Battista reported Monday. The NFL is also looking at having teams invite staff members to league events, an idea Commanders coach Ron Rivera said he believes would help the cause since it would allow minority candidates to get acquainted with decision-makers in more relaxed settings, Battista added.

The 32 clubs released a joint statement Monday regarding their commitment to increasing diversity among ownership:

"The NFL member clubs support the important goal of increasing diversity among ownership. Accordingly, when evaluating a prospective ownership group of a member club pursuant to League policies, the membership will regard it as a positive and meaningful factor if the group includes diverse individuals who would have a significant equity stake in and involvement with the club, including serving as the controlling owner of the club."

The Pat Bowlen Trust announced on Feb. 1 that it is in the "beginning of a sale process" for the Denver Broncos franchise.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell noted during Super Bowl week that the league planned to consult outside experts on its hiring policies.

Other diversity, equity and inclusion-related changes are expected before the January 2023 hiring cycle.

Source: NFL.com

 Dec. 8, 2021 – 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

 With a focus on reaching bigger goals, Duquesne University named Dr. Gretchen Givens Generett as dean of its School of Education, effective July 1, 2021.

As interim dean since July 2020, Dr. Generett led the school by centering on the needs of students and supporting faculty and staff during the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. She worked diligently to listen to and understand the School of Education community to meet its needs.

"The past 18 months has been a stark reminder of the importance of education and mental health," Dr. Generett said. "As dean, I look forward to working alongside our excellent education, counseling, and psychology faculty and staff as we work together in our efforts to make a difference in the lives of our students."

A national leader in developing educators both inside and outside the classroom, Dr. Generett has been instrumental in forming partnerships and networks for academic and community-based educational stakeholders that incorporate equity-focused curricular experiences.

Her background exemplifies Duquesne's commitment to creating equity and opportunity in the region. She is the University's Noble J. Dick Endowed Chair in Community Outreach. Her scholarship, known nationally and internationally, intersects traditional sociology of education, African-American studies and feminist studies with progressive concepts of justice that examine agency, empowerment, and action.

As a lifelong educator, Dr. Generett understands the importance of walking alongside students, learning together, listening to their dreams and delivering an education that helps them reach their goals.

"I don't enter any space without understanding their stories-they allow me to plant my feet," she said. "And when I'm sitting around tables, making decisions, those are the stories that guide me."

Source: Duquesne University

 The Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. (MBA) and the Construction Advancement Program of Western Pennsylvania (CAP) are pleased to welcome Lance Harrell as Director of Workforce Development and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.

Harrell was born and raised in Pittsburgh, from the Hill District to Beechview. He is a graduate of Point Park University and comes to the MBA from the Hill Community Development Corporation, where he was responsible for implementing the Community Collaboration and Implementation Plan (CCIP) goals on the redevelopment of the 28 acres historic Lower Hill site. As a young entrepreneur and developer, he has managed the rehabilitation of single-family and multi-unit homes in several distressed Pittsburgh neighborhoods to provide quality housing for families in need through affordable programs such as Section 8 and Community Human Services. Lance is strongly vested in the community, serving as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and as a board member for Operation Better Block, Young Preservationists Association in Pittsburgh, and Sheraden Housing Advisory Committee/URA.

In the newly created role of Director of Workforce Development and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Lance will enable MBA/CAP to bring focus and purpose to its efforts to educate our members and industry partners. Working with key internal and external stakeholders, Lance will lead MBA/CAP’s efforts to develop, implement and expand business initiatives that increase diversity and inclusion within the construction industry.

MBA Executive Director, Dave Daquelente said, “Joining the MBA/CAP in 2019, I was impressed with our Board and Trustee leadership that identified emerging contractors and a focus to increase diversity, improve equity and build a more inclusive industry. Our process to reach this day has been a journey and I am excited to have Lance join our team. We believe this is only the beginning of our journey and I am certain that he will make a positive impact with our members and on our industry in this new role.”

Lance will begin work at the MBA on June 28, 2021.

Leading the Industry, Building the Region!

To support and advocate for our members and community by promoting:

· Safety

· Diversity and Inclusion

· Labor Relations

· Workforce Development

Since 1886, MBA contractors have set the standard in Western PA for construction excellence by investing in a skilled workforce, implementing award-winning safety programs, and offering the best in management expertise.

For more information on the MBA, please call 412.922.3912 or visit www.mbawpa.org

The Board of Directors of DQE Holdings LLC (DQE) has appointed Kevin Walker as the new president and CEO of Duquesne Light Company (DLC), Duquesne Light Holdings, Inc. and DQE. Walker succeeds Mark Kaplan who has served in an interim role since January of this year. Kaplan has also served as chief financial officer and will retain that role throughout June, after which he will become special advisor to the company’s management and board of directors. Matthew Ankrum will assume the vice president, chief financial officer role on July 1.  

“With more than 30 years of utility and leadership experience, Kevin has played an integral role at DLC over the past year in helping to navigate the complexities of the COVID pandemic,” said Joseph Guyaux, chairman of the board of directors. “We have been impressed with Kevin’s business acumen, vision of the energy future and commitment to supporting employees, customers and the communities we serve.”

Prior to joining DLC as chief operating officer in April 2020, Walker served as senior vice president of customer and operations services and nuclear decommissioning at Southern California Edison. In that role, he oversaw customer experience for more than five million accounts; the services provided to the corporation through the Operational Services group, which included Supply Chain, Corporate Real Estate, Transportation Services and Corporate Environmental Services; and the on-site transfer of spent nuclear fuel from wet to dry storage.

Additionally, he held chief operations officer-level positions at both Iberdrola and American Electric Power.

As DLC’s first Black man and person of color to become president and CEO, he is a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, serving six years as a Field Artillery Officer with a deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Desert Storm. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from West Point Academy and a Master’s of Business Administration from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He serves on the board of the

American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and resides in Marshall Township, Pa. with his spouse, John, seven-year-old twins, Grace and Max, and two dogs Ellie and Henry. In his spare time he enjoys biking, hiking and exploring Pittsburgh’s many trails and parks.  

“It is my honor and privilege to lead the talented and dedicated employees of DLC, TEN and DQE Communications, and I’m looking forward to working with our business and community partners in Allegheny and Beaver counties,” said Walker. “I’ve been impressed with the company’s ability to provide excellent customer service to the people of the Pittsburgh region and my goal is to continue to meet our customers’ changing energy needs.”

Over the next few months and beyond, DLC will remain focused on delivering safe, reliable and affordable power to the region while advancing clean energy practices through smart electrification and energy efficiency efforts.

Unanimous Vote of Approval from the Board Follows a National Search for the Next President of Carlow

Carlow University is pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees has named Kathy W. Humphrey, PhD, as the 11th President of Carlow University. She was recommended to the Board by the Presidential Search Committee following a national search. The Board’s vote was unanimous.

“After a robust national search, Dr. Humphrey emerged as an extraordinary leader who will propel Carlow into the future,” said Board Chair Dorothy A. Davis JD. “Her dynamic vision will inspire and motivate Carlow students, faculty, and the larger University community with her courageous voice, effective skills and engaged involvement.

Dr. Humphrey comes to Carlow with 30 years of leadership experience in higher education, a deep commitment to student success and experience, and a strong allegiance to Carlow’s core Catholic Mercy values, especially regarding matters of social justice, equity and inclusion.

Carlow President Suzanne K. Mellon said Dr. Humphrey is the right person at the right time to lead the University forward. “She understands the important role Carlow plays in the Pittsburgh region and will continue to build upon this progressive, innovative institution rooted in the values of our founders,” Mellon said.

“I am elated and honored to have been asked to lead an institution so committed to providing transformational learning opportunities for its students,” said Dr. Humphrey. “Carlow’s commitment to ensuring its students are career-ready and prepared to lead a merciful and just world is an inspiration, and that mission is among the primary reasons I chose to work higher education.”

Dr. Humphrey is currently Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement and Secretary to the Board at the University of Pittsburgh, where she is also an Associate Professor of Education. She was recruited to the University of Pittsburgh in 2005 to serve as Vice Provost and Dean of Students. She has led major initiatives to enhance Pitt’s campus environment with a particular focus on dismantling systemic racism and creating a “more just Pitt,” and she has been at the forefront of expanding Pitt’s community engagement efforts.

Prior to coming to Pittsburgh, Dr. Humphrey served in numerous senior posts at Saint Louis University in Saint Louis, MO, including Vice President of Student Development and Associate Vice Provost and Director of Housing and Student Life at Saint Louis University. She also held positions at the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO, and The University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO.

Dr. Humphrey is very engaged in the Pittsburgh community and currently serves on several regional boards. Among them she is Chair of the Board of the Forbes Fund; Chair of the Program Committee for the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh; Board member at Leadership Pittsburgh where she served as Chair from 2018-2020; and a Board member of Gwen’s Girls and the Blood Science Foundation. Dr. Humphrey is also a faithful member of Macedonia On The Hill in Pittsburgh.

Dr. Humphrey holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO; a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Missouri in Kansas City, MO; and a PhD in Educational Leadership, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO. She has numerous certificates from Harvard University and other institutions and is a fellow of the International Women’s Forum.

“I think Carlow is fortunate to have found such an exceptional leader who will inspire and motivate our Carlow students, faculty, and larger community with her courageous voice, effective skills and engaged involvement in support of our Mercy mission of service. She will ensure our legacy of academic excellence, particularly in the health sciences, while maintaining our foundation in the liberal arts, and providing a pipeline of exceptional graduates to the work force,” Davis said.

Shady Side Academy has announced the appointment of Sean Simmons as its next director of athletics, effective this summer at a date to be determined. Simmons will succeed Gene Deal, who will conclude his highly successful 31-year run as AD this summer to assume a new role at SSA as alumni engagement officer. 

“I am very pleased to accept the position of Director of Athletics at Shady Side Academy,” said Simmons. “I would like to thank President Bart Griffith and the entire SSA community – faculty, staff, coaches, parents, and trustees – for the opportunity to lead the Athletic Department. I look forward to working together with the community to advance the Academy’s mission of challenging students to think expansively, act ethically, and lead responsibly.”

Simmons is currently director of athletics for the Pine-Richland School District, where he oversees one of Western Pennsylvania’s outstanding athletic programs. Pine-Richland has won multiple WPIAL and PIAA championships under his leadership, including the 2020 PIAA 6A title in football and WPIAL 3A title in field hockey. Additionally, Simmons established both the PR Athletic Hall of Fame and the PR Academy for Coaches, an innovative program that supports the professional development of the district’s coaches. 

Prior to Pine-Richland, Simmons served for more than a decade as an associate athletic director at Robert Morris University, contributing to the most successful period for athletics in the school’s history. Prior to RMU, he spent four years as an academic coordinator for student-athletes at the University of Virginia, facilitating learning support for UVA’s varsity teams and liaising between Virginia’s athletic department and teaching faculty.  

Simmons is a longtime devotee of independent schools, and he worked for six years in his early career at The Hun School of Princeton, an independent day and boarding school for grades 6-12 in Princeton, N.J. While at Hun, he taught math, coached soccer, basketball, and track, and served as an advisor, dorm parent and diversity coordinator. Simmons is also a past independent school parent, as the oldest of his three children attended a New England boarding school. 

“In Sean, we add a proven, established leader to our team, someone who will preserve Shady Side’s most important traditions while guiding SSA athletics forward towards a dynamic, exciting future,” said Academy President Bart Griffith ’93. “Sean’s kindness, integrity, and humble confidence have earned him the respect of students, coaches, and his fellow athletic directors across our region.”

Born in Trinidad, Simmons earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance at Seton Hall University, where he was a member of the men’s track and field team and won the Big East indoor and outdoor 400-meter titles. He then went on to earn his Master of Science degree in athletic administration from James Madison University. 

Sean and his wife, Tawanna, have three children: Jarrod, a senior and captain of the men’s basketball team at the University of Pennsylvania; Sanaea, a freshman and women’s volleyball player at the College of the Holy Cross; and Amailia (Molly to family and friends), a junior at Moon Area High School who recently committed to play women’s volleyball at the University of Michigan. 

Simmons’ appointment as Shady Side’s next AD culminates a national search that began in October and produced an accomplished, qualified pool of finalists.

Source: SSA

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.

 Dr. Alaine Allen will join Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering as the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. As CMU Engineering’s new full-time chief diversity officer, Allen will foster an inclusive environment and welcoming culture to advance the college and university mission in DEI. She will also work closely with Engineering department heads and their department DEI committees, supporting department-level DEI initiatives and developing anti-racist practices.

“I am delighted for Alaine to join the College of Engineering as our new Associate Dean for DEI,” said Bill Sanders, dean of the College of Engineering. “Alaine is a professional practitioner with longstanding experience in DEI coupled with formal training in this field.”

Allen joins the college from the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering where she has held a variety of leadership roles focused on broadening participation in science and engineering for individuals from historically underrepresented groups. She most recently served as the director of educational outreach and community engagement for the school and co-PI of the NSF INCLUDES Alliance: STEM Pathways for Underrepresented Students to HigherEd (PUSH) Network.

“Alaine is a wonderful fit for the College of Engineering with deep connections to the Pittsburgh region, as well as associations with several national professional organizations,” said Jon Cagan, professor of mechanical engineering and chair of the search advisory committee.

“We are excited for Alaine to build on the college’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to date and bring her considerable experience to bear on our DEI goals in this new and critical role in the College of Engineering,” said Sanders. Allen will begin her new role on February 1.

Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, Nationally Recognized Leader in Diversity and Global Health, Joins Network from Case Western University.

Allegheny Health Network (AHN) today announced the appointment of Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, MD, MEd, MPPM, FACOG, as the health system's first Chief Clinical Diversity & Inclusion Officer (CCDIO). Effective December 1, Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew joins AHN from University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, where she currently serves as Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chair of Clinical Diversity and Inclusion and Assistant Dean of Students.

In her new capacity, Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew will work with leaders across AHN to shape an inclusive workplace culture at the health system, further advancing its commitment to workforce diversity, cultural competency, and equitable health care delivery and outcomes for all patients and communities served.  Her experiences as a nurse, a distinguished professor, a Naval officer, a global health strategist and an obstetrician-gynecologist specializing in global health issues bring a unique perspective to the important role she will play at AHN and in the greater Western Pennsylvania region.   

"At AHN, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive, diverse workforce at every level of our organization, and we could not have found a better champion for that cause than Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew," said Cynthia Hundorfean, AHN Chief Executive Officer. "As one of the nation's most respected voices and authorities on the value of cultural diversity in healthcare, she shares our belief that one of the best ways to eliminate disparities in medicine is to promote diversity within the ranks of those who lead and staff our clinical and academic programs."  

During her time at University Hospitals, Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew worked to improve the health of underserved women across Northeast Ohio, especially those living with HIV, LGBQTIA+ populations and those experiencing food insecurity.  She founded and served as CEO of University Hospitals' WONDOOR (Women and Neonates, Diversity, Outreach, Opportunity, Research) global health program; and in 2014, she was named the University's Chair of Clinical Excellence and Diversity, an endowed position established to promote diversity of academic faculty.

"From her early days working at refugee camps in Ghana and Swaziland, to her experiences as a critical care nurse and her ongoing advocacy for marginalized groups of women, Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew has been on the front lines, witnessing and treating immense health disparities," said Lonie Haynes, Ph.D., Highmark Health Chief Diversity Officer. "She has made it her life's mission to improve health outcomes of her patients, particularly those who are at-risk. We are confident her work, along with our collaborative efforts across Highmark Health, will have a profound and lasting impact on our organization and those we serve."

Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew earned a bachelor's degree in nursing at the University of Pittsburgh, a master's degree in education from California State University and her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She served in the U.S. Navy for 16 years, achieving the rank of lieutenant commander and completing an OBGYN internship at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. She returned to Pittsburgh for a residency at Magee Women's Hospital, and practiced at UPMC for the next 15 years, while also serving as Magee's Director of Global Health Programs. Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew joined University Hospitals in 2010 after receiving a master's degree in public policy from the University of Pittsburgh. 

She holds numerous national and international professional appointments, including the American Association of Medical Colleges Group on Diversity and Inclusion; the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics Global Health Task Force; Fellow, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Board of Trustees, Centering HealthCare Institute; Leader, First Year Cleveland; President, Cleveland American Hospital Association Board of Trustees; Co-lead, Committee on Economic Inclusion of Greater Cleveland Partnerships; Vice Chair Elect and Board of Directors, Three Rivers Youth Foundation; and Board of Trustees and Co-Chair of the Women's Leadership Advisory Board, Robert Morris University, among many others.

Clyde Wilson Pickett, a leading expert in higher education diversity and inclusion strategy, has been named the University of Pittsburgh’s vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion. Charged with ensuring a welcome, inclusive and equitable environment for students, faculty and staff across all campuses, Pickett is set to start in July 2020.

Pickett is no stranger to Pittsburgh. An alumnus of the Doctor of Education (EdD) program in Pitt’s School of Education, he served as chief diversity officer for the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), and most recently, as chief diversity officer for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. While at Minnesota State, Pickett was responsible for leading and developing system-wide diversity, equity and inclusion strategy and policy guidance for Minnesota State’s 54 campuses.

In his new role, Pickett will collaborate with University leadership to ensure that Pitt’s mission, vision and strategic priorities are aligned with creating a more inclusive, diverse culture of belonging. He will also lead proactive initiatives, services, connections and education across Pitt’s campuses pertaining to diversity and inclusion. In the last academic year, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion underwent a strategic restructure to position itself toward more focused, proactive work with an emphasis on prevention and education.

“There is no one better to serve in the position of vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion than Clyde Pickett,” said Kathy Humphrey, senior vice chancellor for engagement and secretary of the Board of Trustees. “I am delighted to welcome Clyde to the University of Pittsburgh, where his experience and leadership will help us live up to our commitment of making Pitt a more equitable place.”

“I am very excited about joining the University of Pittsburgh and working collaboratively on strategies to further advance equity, access, inclusion and belonging at the University,” said Pickett. “I am appreciative for the opportunity and am committed to working hard to establish strong relationships built on trust, integrity, authenticity, visibility and transparency.”

Pickett has assumed various leadership roles over the course of his career including advancing best practices for diversity; recruitment; and the retention of students, staff and faculty of color. He is an expert in organizational leadership development and data-informed decision-making related to diversity and inclusion. An administrator and scholar with considerable experience translating theory into practice, he has expertise in strategic planning and Title IX.

Pickett’s professional accomplishments include:

• Establishing and implementing the Minnesota State Equity and Inclusion Council, composed of stakeholders from eight bargaining units consisting of faculty, staff, students and administrators.
• Developing a system-wide framework to examine campus climate at the 37 Minnesota State institutions.
• Developing and executing a strategy to apply equity as a formal component of policy review.
• Developing and facilitating a leadership training for new career and aspiring senior diversity officers.
• Organizing a systemwide cultural competency training for all employees at CCAC.
• Developing initiatives at Ohio Northern University, where he served as director of multicultural development and director of new student orientation, that resulted in a 43% increase in retention of students of color and consulting on projects that increased the University’s population of students of color by 7%.
• Established a multicultural center at Ohio Northern University.

At Pitt, Pickett will succeed Pamela Connelly, who served as the University’s first vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion and stepped down in January 2020. Katie Pope, associate vice chancellor of civil rights and Title IX, served as interim vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion while a national search for Connelly’s successor was conducted.

 Governor Tom Wolf announced that Department of Health Acting Secretary Keara Klinepeter will resign her position with the commonwealth on April 22. The governor also announced his intention to name Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson to serve as Acting Secretary.

“Keara has been an asset to the Department of Health and the Wolf Administration throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, providing necessary leadership and guidance to prepare for the endemic phase of the pandemic,” said Gov. Wolf. “Thank you, Acting Secretary Klinepeter, for your leadership. You have helped develop policies, guidance, and best practices to support Pennsylvania’s public health system throughout the pandemic and during this transition that have made the lives of Pennsylvanians better.”

Prior to Acting Secretary, Klinepeter served as the Executive Deputy Secretary for the Department of Health and as Special Advisor to the Secretary of Health, where she worked extensively on COVID-19 response, including helping to lead the state’s successful vaccine roll-out and working closely with hospitals to manage patient surges. Klinepeter also served as the Director of Rural Health Innovation for the department, where she was responsible for designing, implementing, and expanding population health initiatives that focus on social determinants of health.

“Thank you to Governor Wolf, the Wolf Administration’s leadership team, and the incredibly dedicated Department of Health employees,” said Acting Secretary Klinepeter. “Working alongside the Department of Health’s devoted staff during a global once-in-a-lifetime pandemic has been an absolute honor. I am proud of the work we have accomplished to better the lives of all Pennsylvanians.”

Following Acting Secretary Klinepeter’s departure, Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson will assume the acting position.

“Thank you to Gov. Wolf and Acting Secretary Klinepeter for their steadfast leadership, especially during this trying time for all Pennsylvanians,” said Dr. Johnson. “The pandemic has changed many aspects of public health here in Pennsylvania and nationwide. I am honored to the lead the department during this transformative time in public health and I look forward to continuing to work closely with the tremendous employees at the Department of Health and ensuring our health remains a top priority throughout the commonwealth.