Veteran nonprofit leader becomes head of West Philadelphia community organization

Philadelphia, PA—ACHIEVEability announced the appointment of Wanda Mial as its new executive director. Ms. Mial has been a national leader in the non-profit, governmental and philanthropic sectors for 25 years.

As executive director, Ms. Mial will be responsible for the vision and oversight of the organization; serving as the public face with community partners; providing leadership for program operations and enhancement; supporting the advancement of multiple housing initiatives and leading the organization’s fundraising initiatives.

“Today marks the match of a talented leader with the opportunity to shape a new future for the communities and families in need that ACHIEVEability serves,” said Timothy Thornton, chair of the ACHIEVEability board of directors. “We couldn’t be more excited about the appointment of Wanda to lead that transformation.”

Ms. Mial brings a proven track record of creating programs, organizations, and systems that are effective, impactful and sustainable to this role. She combines her experience and expertise in designing and operating programs, and managing organizational and systems change from her former roles as Senior Vice President of the Philadelphia Education Fund; Senior Program Associate of the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF); Chief Executive Officer of Women’s Christian Alliance; Chief Deputy Commissioner of Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services; and Deputy Director of Congreso de Latinos Unidos.

A life-long Philadelphian, and an Eisenhower Fellow, Ms. Mial earned a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Center of Government, a Bachelors of Arts degree from Amherst College, and is a proud graduate of the Philadelphia High School for Girls. She currently serves on the boards of directors for Congreso de Latinos Unidos and Green Tree Community Health Foundation.

ACHIEVEability recently formed a strategic alliance with Mission First Housing Group to broaden and strengthen the ability of each to serve the people of Philadelphia and the Mid-Atlantic Region. Ms. Mial will be a member of the Mission First leadership team.

Ms. Mial will start her new role at ACHIEVEability on March 30. Susan Patton has been serving as interim executive director of ACHIEVEability since May 2013.

Contact: Becky Lang Staffieri
Cell: (215) 651-4858
rstaffieri@missionfirsthousing.org

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ACHIEVEability is a nonprofit organization that for more than three decades has worked to permanently break the generational cycle of poverty for low-income, single-parent, and homeless Philadelphia families through community service and our holistic Family Self-Sufficiency Program. Our participants work, pursue post-secondary degrees and engage in personal development workshops. We transform lives and communities through education, affordable housing, supportive services and the powerful possibilities of personal accountability. More information at www.achieveability.org. ACHIEVEability is a member of Mission First Housing Group.

Mission First Housing Group develops and manages affordable, safe and sustainable homes for people in need, with a nonprofit, mission-driven focus on the most vulnerable. We ensure our residents have access to resources to help them live independently. We deliver housing that provides long-term benefits to residents and neighborhoods, alike. Mission First is a full-service real estate organization developing high-quality, green community assets across the Mid-Atlantic region. Mission First currently provides affordable housing and services to nearly 3,800 people in over 3,100 units, serving low income populations that include veterans, elderly and the disabled. More information at www.missionfirsthousing.org.