Jeremy Nowak Appointed Foundation President
Publication Date: April 20, 2011
David Haas, chair of the William Penn Foundation, today announced the appointment of Jeremy Nowak, PhD as president of the Foundation. Nowak is expected to begin his duties on June 27.
In announcing the appointment, Haas said “Jeremy has been a long-time partner of the Foundation and understands and believes in our work. He provides the combination of expertise, innovative thinking, integrity, and quality we’ve been seeking to lead us moving forward.”
Nowak currently serves as president and CEO of The Reinvestment Fund, a nationally-recognized leader in urban development which has marshaled more than $1 billion in capital for housing, community arts centers, schools, commercial real estate, and sustainable energy projects. Since 1995, the Foundation has invested nearly $15 million with TRF and has looked to the organization as a significant partner in guiding its community development strategies.
More about TRF can be found here.“I am honored that the Haas family members have placed their confidence in me, and it will be a privilege to lead one of Philadelphia’s great philanthropic legacies,” said Nowak. “I look forward to putting my experience to work to identify new and creative ways to enable the Foundation to impact the region.”
Nowak’s tenure will begin 18 months after
$747 million in new assets were directed to the Foundation by
the late John C. Haas, the last surviving son of its founders, with instructions that the gift be used in perpetuity for the advancement of Greater Philadelphia.
“This is a pivotal time, with the Foundation entering a period of growth and the region remaining steeped in economic uncertainty,” said Janet Haas, a board member who co-chaired the search committee with David Haas. “We’re thrilled to have a leader of Jeremy’s caliber and vision in place to help guide us as we plan our next phase of work.”
Nowak succeeds Feather Houstoun, who has led the Foundation since 2005. David and Janet Haas thanked Houstoun, expressing
great appreciation for her regional leadership and the Foundation’s accomplishments during her tenure.
The William Penn Foundation, founded in 1945 by Otto and Phoebe Haas, is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia region through efforts that foster rich cultural expression, strengthen children’s futures, and deepen connections to nature and community. In partnership with others, the Foundation works to advance a vital, just, and caring community.
Media Contact:
Brent Thompson, Director of Communications
bthompson<at>williiampennfoundation<dot>org or (215) 988 1830