Contact: Chris Mason
Phone: 412-481-2777
Fax: 412-481-2727
Email: info@bfpgh.org

Terry Wirginis, Chair of the Board and Biff Swager, Chair of the Executive Director Search Committee of the Birmingham Foundation announced today that Mark Bibro has been named Executive Director.

He replaces the Foundation's first Executive Director, Mary Phan-Gruber, who left after 10 years of service in 2007 to join Dewey & Kaye as a Senior Nonprofit Consultant. "Mary Phan-Gruber did a very effective job leading the Foundation during its first 10 years," said Chairman Wirginis, "and we knew it would take time to find someone comparable to fill the position."

The decision was announced after a nine month search process lead by local recruitment firm Dewey & Kaye, a division of McCrory & McDowell LLC, who facilitated the search. Over 100 applications were received for the position. "To the Search Committee, Mark emerged as the best and most thoughtful choice due to his breadth of experience and enlightened vision for the Birmingham Foundation’s future," said Wirginis.

Mark leaves his position as General Manager of The Pittsburgh Terminal Properties (Riverwalk Corporate Centre), a position he held for 7 years. He oversaw the transformation of the 100-year old, 1-million square foot building into one of the most creative spaces in the city which is currently home to over 90 tenants.

Mark has a history in nonprofit management, having served as Executive Director of the North Side Commons Ministries and Louise Child Care. He has also served as President of the Pittsburgh Jaycees (Vectors), the Multiple Sclerosis Service Society, Angels' Place, and Louise Child Care, and served as Vice President of the South Hills Interfaith Ministries and Treasurer of the Auditorium Authority.

Currently, Mark is active with several nonprofit organizations. He serves as President of the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation, East End Cooperative Ministry, and Friends of the Riverfront; Vice President of the St. Vincent DePaul Society, South Side Local Development Company, and Multiple Sclerosis Service Society; and is a Board member of Marion Manor, Riverlife Task Force, St. Augustine Plaza, and St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center.

The Birmingham Foundation was founded in 1996 as a private foundation with assets from the sale of South Side Hospital to UPMC. Since its inception, the Birmingham Foundation has awarded over $9.2 million in grants to over 140 organizations since grantmaking began in 1997. The Foundation’s target area includes 14 communities, among which are Allentown, Arlington, Beltzhoover, Carrick, Knoxville, Mt. Oliver, Mt Washington, St. Clair Village and the South Side. The Foundation's priority areas include: children’s well-being, health access and promotion, senior safety and wellness, capacity–building for organizations, and community life. Focus areas also include vulnerable populations and health disparities.