The newly formed Knowledge Center will serve as a regional hub for data, evaluation & learning in the fight against poverty
PHILADELPHIA, PA – January 25, 2022 – United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ) announces the development of The Knowledge Center, to be led by Andrea Anderson, PhD, the organization’s new Chief Knowledge Officer. Anderson will be responsible for developing, implementing, and leading the programs and activities of the Center.
“The Knowledge Center will be the region’s new go-to hub for continuous measurement, accountability, and learning in the collective poverty fight—and we are fortunate to have Andrea at the helm,” said Bill Golderer, CEO & President of UWGPSNJ. “Under Andrea’s leadership, the Center represents an extension of United Way’s commitment to using data and research to inform policy, grant-making, and investment decisions in the public and private sector.”
As Chief Knowledge Officer, Anderson will work closely with local and national research partners to design and develop strategies to assess regional assets and challenges related to poverty. Data and learning collected by The Knowledge Center will help maximize the value of the region’s large economic mobility initiatives, increase the understanding of the drivers of poverty, and promote operational impact investments. The Center’s inaugural focus is the learning and evaluation agenda of The Promise, a multi-year anti-poverty action fund powered by UWGPSNJ and the City of Philadelphia. Through collaborative action, measurable goals, and deep investment, The Promise is designed to raise funds to invest in Philadelphia and, ultimately, works alongside 100,000 individuals to increase their income and build sustainable careers.
“I believe that we can create a table big enough for everyone invested in reducing poverty and expanding opportunity in the region—our grant partners, elected officials, and corporate sponsors—to collectively make meaning of data and evaluation findings, and learn how we can all be more effective as we move toward our shared vision,” said Anderson. “I am excited to lead The Knowledge Center as the host for these powerful conversations, and I look forward to discovering what we will all learn from each other."
Anderson’s career spans 27 years, during which she has conducted program evaluation, policy analysis, and applied research for nongovernmental organizations, foundations, and civic leadership groups both domestically and internationally.
Prior to joining UWGPSNJ, Anderson served as the Director of Evaluation, Learning, and Impact at the Skillman Foundation in Detroit, Michigan. In this role, she 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, Anderson 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.
Anderson 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.
Anderson joined UWGPSNJ on January 3. For more information on UWGPSNJ’s mission to end poverty, its 100th anniversary, and COVID-19 resiliency efforts, visit www.unitedforimpact.org.
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About United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
Celebrating 100 years, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ) is on a mission to end poverty and expand opportunity for all by investing in Early Learning, Community Resiliency, Financial Empowerment, and Career Pathways. Serving Pennsylvania’s Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, and New Jersey’s Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May and Cumberland counties, United Way creates solutions that break the cycle of poverty. As part of a network of independent local nonprofit organizations, United Way provides countless ways to give, advocate and volunteer. To learn more, visit www.unitedforimpact.org.