Pathway Homes' CEO Named Outstanding Nonprofit Executive

The Center for Nonprofit Advancement has named Pathway Homes President and CEO Sylisa Lambert-Woodard a recipient of the tenth annual Gelman, Rosenberg and Freedman EXCEL Award. This competitive award recognizes and spotlights outstanding leadership among Washington-area nonprofit chief executives.

Finalists for the EXCEL Award were selected through a three-step judging process from nominations of nonprofit chief executive leaders of Washington-area nonprofit organization with an annual budget of under $10 million. Candidates must show leadership excellence in the areas of innovation, motivation, community building, inclusiveness/diversity and/or ethical integrity. Award winners receive a $5,000 professional development account to be used for the individual’s continued professional development. In addition, the winner’s organization receives a $2,000 professional development account for staff.

“The region is filled with incredible leaders, so just being nominated for this award was a humbling experience. To be named an award winner is truly an honor,” says Lambert-Woodard. This award is a salute to the many talented and passionate people that work for our agency and the leadership of our board. The opportunity to increase our investment in professional development trainings is an investment that will be evidenced by our consumers and the community. “

The award winners were announced at the Center for Nonprofit Advancement’s Annual Celebration on November 18th. 2014 is the tenth year for this competition, and the ninth year that the Bethesda-based accounting firm Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman has sponsored the award.

Other EXCEL Award winners named include Michelle Asha Cooper of the Institute for Higher Education Policy and Bonnie Fogel of Imagination Stage. Valarie Ashley of Southeast Ministry and Peter Holden of New Horizon Supported Services, Inc. received Honorable Mentions.

Pathway Homes has been a leading provider of housing and support services for adults with mental illness and co-occurring disorders in the Northern Virginia region for more than 30 years. Pathway Homes, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, works collaboratively with a variety of community partners to create a wide network of services and supports to best meet the needs individuals and help end homelessness in our community.

*Photo caption: Dr. Sylisa Lambert-Woodard, CEO of Pathway Homes (second from right) is joined by co-winners Michelle Asha Cooper of the Institute for Higher Education Policy and Bonnie Fogel of Imagination Stage and finalist Valarie Ashley of Southeast Ministry. Not pictured is finalist Peter Holden of New Horizon Supported Services, Inc.