Since Fall 2019, Beth has been on a leave of absence as a Loeb Fellow at Harvard University. Beth will use her remaining time at Harvard to begin exploring options for her next professional challenge.
The Board has launched a search for a new Executive Director, and more information about the position can be found on the Collaborative’s website. Jenn Richards, who has served as Interim Executive Director since September, will provide leadership and continuity during the transition. We are hopeful and excited for the next chapter of the Community Design Collaborative.
Beth worked tirelessly to raise the profile and expand the impact of the Collaborative. She is a natural connector who actively sought to learn and collaborate with others to promote good design as good policy. We are appreciative of all she has accomplished on behalf of the Collaborative.
-- Alice Berman, Community Design Collaborative Founder & Advisory Council member
Beth became the first full-time employee of the Collaborative in 2001 and served as Executive Director for 19 years. During her tenure, Beth led the Collaborative to achieve a number of impressive accomplishments:
- Leveraged pro bono preliminary design assistance to deliver responsive Design Grants to nearly 1,000 nonprofits throughout greater Philadelphia
- Launched Infill Philadelphia, a proactive, community-engaged design initiative that brought together designers, community members, community development experts, policymakers and funders to explore design innovation and develop strategic partnerships around key themes.
- Established relationships with nonprofit, public, and corporate partners to better address community goals, expanding the Collaborative’s role as a thought leader and public interest design advocate.
Beth dedicated a good portion of her life to the work of the Collaborative and to improving Philadelphia's neighborhoods, really leaning into complicated issues around design and community with passion and sincerity. She built a solid foundation from which the Collaborative will continue to grow. -- Maria Sourbeer, Community Design Collaborative Board Member
The Board of Directors thanks Beth for her dedication, service, and leadership, and we look forward to following the success of her career.
