The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Vernard Alexander was named the new Director of the Community Engagement Center (CEC) in Homewood, effective Nov. 13.
As director, Alexander facilitates collaborations between community organizations, activities and Pitt researchers, staff and students; supports the CEC’s neighborhood activities; and oversees daily operations of the Homewood CEC and its staff.
A longtime Pittsburgh resident, Alexander previously served as the Executive Director of E3 Alliance Pittsburgh, which works to build the Black and brown business pipeline in Western Pa. In this role, Alexander served as a facilitator, collaborator and trust builder, connecting entrepreneurs to programs, funding opportunities and community resources to help them succeed. In his time at E3 Alliance, Alexander recruited more than 1,000 entrepreneurs to enroll in local entrepreneur programs and improved relationships with financial institutions resulting in more than $2 million provided in small business loans.
Referred to throughout Pittsburgh as “The Connecting King,” Alexander is often the go-to resource for many looking for support and guidance. In 2006, he started the Minority Networking Exchange, which brings small businesses together to network, collaborate, and learn. In 2018, Alexander launched CKV Suites, a multi-purpose space that hosts a variety of business and social networking events.
Alexander currently serves as the Secretary of the Board for Invest PGH and is a board member of the Alliance for Police Accountability and A Dream House.
Alexander received a Master in Curriculum & Instruction and a Bachelor in Secondary/Social Studies Education, both from Point Park University.
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