Posted on November 29, 2012

William Penn Foundation to Initiate Search for New President

Citing "differences in approach regarding implementation of" its new strategic plan, the William Penn Foundation has announced that it will initiate a search to replace Jeremy Nowak, who has served as the foundation's president since June 2011.

Although Nowak served as a valuable change agent during the foundation's strategic planning process, said board chair David Haas, the board and Nowak mutually agreed that a change in leadership at this time made sense. The foundation is in the process of forming a search committee and has appointed Helen Davis Picher, who most recently served as its director of evaluation and planning, as interim president.

In a statement on its Web site, the foundation also said it remains committed to its focus areas — including children, culture, and the environment — and the themes of the strategic plan, but that the plan's "implementation continues to evolve and be refined." New program guidelines and application procedures will be issued in late January.

"Jeremy Nowak guided the William Penn Foundation to understand the challenges the region will face in the coming years and to help position the foundation to focus its resources to meet those challenges," Haas said. "The foundation thanks Jeremy for his innovative thinking and leadership. He will remain an important resource and advisor as the foundation moves forward in implementing its strategic plan."

"I am extraordinarily proud of the work we have done that will guide the William Penn Foundation for years to come," said Nowak. "I am confident the foundation is well positioned to positively impact the region — particularly with so many facing such economic uncertainty. I look forward to continuing to support the foundation to address the critical needs of the greater Philadelphia region."