We are pleased to share the following staff updates to our teams at University City District, Green City Works, and the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative.
Patrick Bayer has been promoted to the role of Senior Manager for Economic Development and Analysis. In this position, he will take a lead data analysis role for University City District and help shape current and future organizational efforts across residential affordability, business improvement district planning, transportation planning, and small business support while continuing to lead data analysis efforts for our West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI). Patrick previously worked on UCD’s initial business plan for our landscaping social venture Green City Works through a role with the Mayor’s Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity and AmeriCorps VISTA. Patrick holds a Bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University and an MBA from Marywood University.
Brian English has been promoted to Vice President. Brian’s unique blend of business development, talent development, project management, and leadership skills are clear to everyone who has the pleasure of working with him through his position overseeing our Green City Works landscaping team. Brian leads a growing social enterprise with heart and passion, putting people first while competing at the highest levels for major projects. Under his leadership, Green City Works has completed major projects at the University of the Sciences, the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, uCity Square, and many more. Brian possesses nearly 25 years of landscape experience ranging from managing start-up and established design-build landscape firms to serving as Director of Property Management for a land trust. Brian has long been active in the promotion of native horticulture and urban greening and sees Philadelphia as the ideal place to express these interests.
Cait Garazzo is now the Director of Programs for the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative. In this role, Cait will manage WPSI’s foundational skills training program, certification programs, and the expansion of alumni services. Her experience and passion are in designing holistic and responsive programs aimed at preparing people for the modern workforce. Creating sustainable partnerships across organizations and individuals as well as constantly seeking new opportunities for collaboration are cornerstones of her professional philosophy. Cait holds a Bachelor’s degree from The College of New Jersey and has completed the Executive Program for Social Impact Strategy at Penn.
Fontaine Gutierrez is now the Manager, Outreach & Communications for WPSI. Fontaine has long played a key role in our recruiting, assessment, and selection process, and now she will lead that function for WPSI. Over her time at UCD, Fontaine has worked hard to refine the WPSI brand, making sure that our various audiences get the information that is relevant to them. She’s partnered with her colleagues to boost the messages of other non-profits, connecting participants to resources that WPSI doesn’t offer. Fontaine continues to analyze our programs through a person-centered lens, ensuring that our messages, processes, and policies create a superior experience for participants. Fontaine is a graduate of Drexel University.
Chris Richman is now University City District’s Director of Marketing and Communications. Chris joined UCD in 2014 and has played an increasing role in shaping communications across all departments, including telling our story to the press and stakeholders, leading our publications and video efforts, running social media accounts, and occasionally serving as emcee at Clark Park movies. His proactive leadership, the quality of his ideas, and his commitment to the communities we serve have been instrumental in helping UCD navigate recent challenges. Chris now leads a small but formidable communications and events team. He holds a bachelor’s in English from Elizabethtown College and an MA in Writing from Rowan University.
Jennine White has been promoted to the role of Coordinator of Operations and Administration, a new position that acknowledges her excellent contributions to both WPSI and UCD broadly. Jennine initially supported the WPSI team on interview days, ensuring a smooth flow of candidates, but she has shown tremendous initiative in expanding her role, making her indispensable to the recruitment and selection process. In addition to her expanded role in recruiting operations, Jennine will now be conducting interviews and working closely with participants as they complete the onboarding steps for our employer partners. And she will continue to build on her foundational work of offering administrative and receptionist support at UCD, managing communications and logistics with the UCD board, and managing various office and purchasing functions. Jennine received her bachelor’s degree in Business Management in May 2019 from Bloomsburg University.
