LEADERSHIP Philadelphia welcomes Jan Shaeffer as new CEO.
LEADERSHIP Philadelphia welcomes Jan Shaeffer as new CEO.
LEADERSHIP Philadelphia bids farewell to its long-time CEO – and welcomes its new one.
After 30 years, Liz Dow is stepping down as chief executive officer of Leadership Philadelphia. She’ll be succeeded by Jan Shaeffer, long-time president and CEO of St. Christopher’s Foundation for Children.
Hugh McStravick, Leadership’s board chair, said Shaeffer has an “an impressive track record stewarding a high-performing foundation, inspiring teams of people, and engaging communities and individuals across the region.” McStravick thanked Dow for her “extraordinary leadership.”
Since 1993, Dow has trained and inspired generations of leaders committed to helping the city and the region flourish. Beyond motivating the 4,500 people who flocked to Leadership’s training sessions to grow within their professions, Dow challenged them to contribute in the civic sphere, to commit to helping the city meet its challenges and seize its opportunities.
It’s no coincidence that more than 2,000 program alumni have served on non-profit boards around the community.
Dow also worked to redefine the city’s sense of who can be a leader, and what kind of behaviors exemplify true leadership.
During her tenure, Dow created the Connector Project, which recognized the area leaders in different sectors whom others view as “hubs of trust.” This innovative initiative identified and studied more than 500 Philadelphia leaders, some well-known, some working well under the media’s radar. The lessons Dow distilled from the Connectors’ deeds and words are captured in her book, Six Degrees of Connection.
Many notable Philadelphians belong to the network of connection and trust that Dow fashioned over 30 years of service. The list of alumni includes Mayor Cherelle Parker, PECO CEO Mike Innocenzo, Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce CEO Chellie Cameron, Philadelphia Eagles CEO Don Smolenski, Venture Capitalist Josh Kopelman, Author Lorene Cary and more than 80 Philadelphia CEO’s.
To commemorate Leadership’s 50th anniversary, Dow created a WHYY series based on a book titled This I Believe, giving local leaders a chance to express the civic credos that fuel their efforts. It led to the creation of a book, This I Believe Philadelphia.
For LEADERSHIP’s 60th anniversary, Dow invited Philadelphians to explore connection, compassion and listening in a series of workshops called “Move in Closer.” In 2019, the series featured Master Classes on empathy and race by activist, playwright and actress, Anna Deavere Smith.
McStravick said Dow’s commitment to connecting across sectors, race and age for the common good has positioned LEADERSHIP Philadelphia as the go-to hub for connection, coaching and empowerment in Philadelphia.
Dow will continue her work through June to ensure a smooth transition, then create a coaching program for alumni.
Shaeffer comes to Leadership after 20 years at St. Christopher’s Foundation for Children. During her tenure, she developed health equity programs that helped more than 50,000
under-resourced Philadelphia children.
Working with a diverse board, she raised more than $20 million for programs, some of which won the United Way Partnership Prize for Innovation as well as support from the Convergence Partnership comprising the country’s six largest health funders.
Shaeffer praised the “incredible impact” that Leadership, under Dow’s guidance, has had on the community and on her personally:
“My long relationship with the organization allows me a unique knowledge of its power and its potential. Over the last 20 years, I have invested my attention on health equity for children and families in North Philadelphia. Now I will focus my attention at the broader level – harnessing the power of connection to deliver lasting impact for our participants, partners, and communities.”
Shaeffer will join LEADERSHIP on Feb. 1. In celebration of Dow’s illustrious career, a lunch will be held on April 17 for LEADERSHIP Philadelphia Alumni and Supporters.
For media inquiries, contact Carla Ingram: cingram@LeadershipPhildaelphia.org
Liz Dow in new position to continue the great work of LEADERSHIP Philadelphia.
The Inquirer features a guest column by Liz Dow.
In this moment, choose to be compassionate and grateful -Liz Dow
“LIZ DOW WANTS YOU TO PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE AND LOOK PEOPLE IN THE EYES AGAIN.”
Click HERE to read the article from Pennsylvania Humanities Council
Per the Philadelphia Business Journal, “Liz makes the Power 100 List year after year because of her connections and influence. Dow is the ultimate connector, bringing people together to advance the region.” Read more here. Meet the Leaders (PBJ Introduces the Core Class of 2019)
LEADERSHIP Philadelphia “serves as the hub of a diverse professional network. It is a deeply trusted convener and thought leader in the region. Notable alumni of the program include Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross, former Mayor Michael Nutter, Mural Arts Program Executive Director Jane Golden and Philadelphia Business Journal Editor-in-Chief Craig Ey.”
This year, 120 leaders were chosen for the program.
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