Andrea Anderson, PhD
Chief Knowledge Officer
“I believe that we can create a table big enough for everyone invested in reducing poverty in Philadelphia — our grant partners, elected officials, corporate sponsors, and the scholars — to collectively make meaning of data and evaluation findings, and learn from these encounters how we can all be more effective as we move toward our shared vision. I am excited to host these powerful conversations and discovering what we will all learn from each other. "
Andrea serves as Chief Knowledge Officer of United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ) but is best described as our Reflective Practitioner. Andrea is responsible for developing, implementing, and leading the programs and activities of the Knowledge Center, the evidence and learning hub for UWGPSNJ’s regional collaborations. As Chief Knowledge Officer, Andrea works closely with research partners to design and develop strategies to assess regional assets and challenges, while using data and research to inform policy, grant-making and UWGPSNJ investment decisions in the public and private sectors.
Andrea’s career spans 27 years during which she conducted program evaluation, policy analysis, and applied research for nongovernmental organizations, foundations, and civic leadership groups both domestically and internationally.
Prior to joining UWGPSNJ, Andrea served as the Director of Evaluation, Learning, and Impact at the Skillman Foundation in Detroit, Michigan. In this role, Andrea facilitated learning and thinking within the Foundation and among community partners, and encouraged a culture of candor, accountability and innovation. For 10 years prior to joining Skillman, she was the President of North Star Planning and Evaluation Consultants. She has also held research positions at Abt Associates, The Aspen Institute Roundtable on Community Change, and The Pratt Center for Community Development.
Andrea holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance as well as a Master’s degree in Family and Community Planning from the University of Maryland at College Park. She also holds a Doctorate in Evaluation and Planning from Cornell University.
A native of Baltimore, Andrea is an avid (if not slightly obsessed) football fan. During the off-season she loves spending her time at farmers markets, art exhibits, bookstores, or in relentless pursuit of the perfect beach sunset photo.