We are pleased to announce the appointment of Edward W. Wilson as Acting President and CEO of 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania while bidding a fond farewell to Judy Schwank.  

Wilson formerly served as Vice President of 10,000 Friends.  He joined the organization in 2006 with nearly 25 years of experience in applied research, evaluation and strategic planning for public, non-profit and philanthropic organizations.

For more than 12 years he worked as a consultant to philanthropic and public interest organizations throughout the country, providing services in program evaluation and strategic planning.  Prior to that he served as a Program Officer at the Pew Charitable Trusts and an Assistant Professor of Urban Planning at the State University of New York at Buffalo.  He has a Ph.D. in Social Systems Sciences from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

“It’s a great privilege to be taking the reins of an organization devoted to strengthening our state’s communities and regions.  My travels have helped me realize what wonderful places we have here in Pennsylvania.  Our cities, towns and countryside are our heritage – and also the key to our future.  We have to take better care of them.  10,000 Friends, under Judy Schwank’s able leadership, has been pointing the way toward policy reforms we need to keep our older communities vibrant and protect our rural landscapes.  I’m honored to be following in Judy’s footsteps.”

“I am very pleased that Ed Wilson has accepted the role of Acting President and CEO for the organization.” said Eric Menzer, Board Chair. “His extensive policy expertise, applied research and teaching experience will help to move 10,000 Friends policy and agenda forward without missing a beat.”

Judy Schwank is leaving 10,000 Friends to return to her roots in agriculture and education and will assume the position of Dean - Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Delaware Valley College.  The staff and Board of 10,000 Friends wishes her the best of luck!