Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia Names New Executive Director

(PHILADELPHIA - June 15, 2017) Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia announced its selection of Sidney R. Hargro as its next executive director, citing his substantial qualifications for advancing the network’s new strategic vision. Hargro will take the helm July 24, 2017.

Hargro currently serves as Executive Director of the Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ). During his seven-year tenure, he led a growth and impact strategy that increased assets from $400,000 to $20+ million and positioned the foundation as a regional hub for philanthropic partnership and collaboration.

His new charge as Executive Director of Philanthropy Network involves leading and advancing a powerful force of nearly 150 diverse grantmaking organizations that invest more than $500 million annually to enhance the quality of life throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.

“Philanthropy Network has a proud history of serving and supporting regional grantmakers in making wise investments, of acting as a credible and well-respected voice at regional public policy tables, and of actively partnering with nonprofits in the region,” said Board President and Search Committee Chair Paul DiLorenzo. “In choosing Sidney Hargro, the Search Committee selected an individual with the right qualities and experience to build on our rich history of civic engagement and high-quality support of the philanthropic community, while raising the bar on our effectiveness, impact and growth to support a new strategic vision.”

For nearly three decades, Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia has convened funders from across the region to exchange ideas, inspire new thinking and align resources. In recent years the organization has focused on promoting an action-oriented, problem-solving approach to philanthropy and creating opportunities for funders to work collaboratively, both with each other and with other partners, to address some of the region’s most critical challenges. Building on this work, the Network’s new strategic vision deepens its commitment to collective action and to forging a greater leadership role for philanthropy to advance solutions to the community’s most pressing issues.

In addition to his work at CFSJ, Hargro has held a number of leadership roles that position him to advance Philanthropy Network’s vision. He currently serves as a lecturer in the School of Social Policy & Practice at the University of Pennsylvania, a board member of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, a board member of the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, a founding member of the Executive Alliance for Men and Boys of Color, and treasurer of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations.

Prior to leading CFSJ, Hargro acted as Senior Officer for Strategy and Organizational Learning for The Columbus Foundation, the seventh largest community foundation in the U.S. with assets exceeding $1.5 billion. He earned a Master of Divinity, honors, with an emphasis on community organizing and civic engagement at the United Theological Seminary, a Master of Science in mechanical engineering at The Ohio State University, and a Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude, in mechanical engineering at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State.

Hargro succeeds Maari Porter, who accepted a position with the City of Philadelphia as Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives in Office of the Managing Director.

According to DiLorenzo, “Sidney’s rich combination of skills will enable to him to be a credible, competent and compassionate voice for philanthropy in Greater Philadelphia.”

About Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia

Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia is the region’s association for organizations and individuals who want to achieve greater impact with their philanthropic investments. With nearly 150 members located in Greater Philadelphia and beyond who reflect the dynamism and diversity of philanthropy, we connect and convene funders with each other and with civic, government and community leaders to spark solutions that foster a more prosperous, innovative and equitable region. We proudly champion philanthropy as a force for creating meaningful community change and strive to help members succeed in the pursuit of smarter giving for greater good.

For more information, visit www.PhilanthropyNetwork.org. To tweet Philanthropy Network use @philanthropyPHL.

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