MARK LEWIS
For over 44 years, POISE Foundation has been serving the Pittsburgh Region and beyond through philanthropic services that mainly impact the growth and sustainability of the Black community.
At its annual meeting, POISE Foundation Board of Trustees approved a 10-year Strategic Plan to guide the Foundation to sustainability and self-sufficiency while increasing its impact on the Pittsburgh Region and beyond. The strategic plan (the Plan) focuses on four major goals: Grow Assets and Sustainability, Tell our Story, Improve the Way We Work, and Move the Needle. The Plan, which was led by Common Cause Consulting is bold and ambitious with a goal of building our endowed funds to $100 million.
Summary Plan
As a result of the Plan, The Foundation has also restructured its leadership team. Karris Jackson, has been promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer (previously Chief Operating Officer) while Mark Lewis, will retain the function of Chief Executive Officer (previously President and Chief Executive Officer). Mr. Lewis stated, “The restructuring of our staff leadership team will allow us to have a greater focus and dedicated responsibility to achieve the critical goals of the Foundation. The CEO will focus primarily on strategy, growth of assets and creating greater public awareness, while the President and COO will focus on managing the day to day operations of POISE.”
Karris Jackson commented, “POISE plays a critical role in amplifying the power of Black communities in Pittsburgh and across the country. I am excited to take on a greater responsibility to foster its continued growth and advancement.”
In addition to our staff leadership changes, the Foundation is announcing changes to our Board of Trustees. Long-time member Dale Perdue is retiring from the board and will join the Founding Member Circle reserved for original board members who served the Foundation over 20 years. Current Board Chair Greg Spencer is retiring after many years of service. Darrell Smalley, prior Board Treasurer will succeed Mr. Spencer as Chair of the Board of Trustees. In addition, two new members will join the board on January first—Michael Crawford, Managing Director Administration and Finance at FedEx; and Morton Stanfield Jr., Sr. Vice President, Community Development at Dollar Bank.
“It has been my privilege to serve as the Chair of the POISE Foundation Board for nearly ten years. It has been exciting to watch the board and the staff’s work make such an impact on the region. Over the past several years, we have recruited an outstanding board and it is an honor to pass the board leadership to Darrell Smalley who will strengthen POISE Foundation’s focus on the strategic plan.”—Greg Spencer
“It has been an honor to serve on the Board of Directors for many years and I look forward to serving as Chair. POISE has made an impact on our community generating a rich legacy and positioning for a bright future.”—Darrell Smalley
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