The Board of Directors of PFLAG NYC is pleased to share this exciting news with our entire community…
Dear PFLAG NYC Community,
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Melissa D’Andrea as the new Executive Director of PFLAG NYC. Melissa will officially begin her role on Monday, March 14, 2022.
Melissa D’Andrea is a New York native, born and raised in Brooklyn, and living in the Bronx. She is a youth development professional with 20 years of experience in program design and implementation for NYC youth and families. She comes to PFLAG NYC from the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, where she has overseen all program strategy and implementation as Chief Program Officer, a core member of the executive leadership team. Previously she was the Vice President of Programs for Girls Incorporated of New York City. Aside from her day job, she enjoys consulting for start-up non-profits on programming, operations, grant-writing, and fund development; and volunteering with hospice patients, LGBTQIA+ youth, and justice-system impacted youth.
Melissa has a BA degree in Human Services from SUNY Empire State College, and is completing her MBA from Thomas Edison State University. She holds Graduate Certificates in Fundraising and Board Development and Nonprofit Management from SUNY Purchase College, a Certificate in Mentoring Supervision from Fordham University and is a 2017 New York Community Trust Leadership Fellow.
Melissa credits her career path to the foundation she received from her own experience growing up in youth development programs in New York City. In particular, the Youth Enrichment Services Program at the LGBT Community Center, the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, GLSEN, and the HEART (HIV/AIDS Education Activism Resources Team) Club at Edward R. Murrow High School in Brooklyn.
Along with the whole board, I am excited for the experience and enthusiasm that Melissa brings to PFLAG NYC. We feel very fortunate to have found someone who has experience that touches on so many of the pillars of PFLAG NYC’s work with LGBTQ+ youth, their parents and families. Melissa brings immediate knowledge of building programs for youth and families, with schools, and with volunteers, and we look forward to working with her as she focuses on the next phase of PFLAG NYC’s growth.
The selection of Melissa was made after an extensive search process, in which the board was assisted by a talented team from Sandler Search, a nationally recognized executive search firm specializing in non-profit organizations. The board appreciates the guidance of Josie Sandler, Shalena Broadnax, and their colleagues.
Finally, the board and the whole of PFLAG NYC are grateful to outgoing Executive Director, Drew Tagliabue, who has continued effectively leading PFLAG NYC through the selection of Melissa and will remain with us for a period to ensure a smooth onboarding and transition process. We are extremely proud of PFLAG NYC’s accomplishments during fifteen years of Drew’s leadership and plan to hold an event later in the year to salute Drew as we look towards an exciting future with Melissa.
Please join me in welcoming Melissa to PFLAG NYC. I look forward to many of our community getting the chance to meet her in the months ahead.
Sincerely,
Judy Sennesh
Chair, Board of Directors
Send Melissa a Welcome Message
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