Donna Cooper, formerly a top aide to Gov. Rendell, was named the new head of Public Citizens for Children and Youth, officials announced Tuesday morning.
Cooper, who previously served for eight years as the state’s secretary of policy and planning and for three years as Philadelphia’s deputy mayor for policy and planning, replaces Shelly Yanoff, who is retiring after 26 years with the child advocacy agency.
A native of Philadelphia, Cooper comes to PCCY from American Progress where she has been a senior fellow.
“I am taking this job because I am convinced that our city’s and our region’s future is inextricably linked to the outcomes of our children,” Cooper said in a prepared statement. “The better they do, the better we all do.”
She has her master’s degree in government administration from the University of Pennsylvania, Fels Center of Government, and a master’s degree in intercultural management from the School for International Training.
Cooper also previously led the Greater Philadelphia Works program, which helps single mothers on welfare become self sufficient. She founded Good Schools Pennsylvania, which fought for equitable funding for public education across the state.
“These and other accomplishments convinced us that Donna already has a deep appreciation for, and understanding of PCCY’s values,” said a statement from PCCY’s board of directors. “She is passionate about our commitment to improve the lives and life opportunities of our region’s children.”
Contact Susan Snyder at 215-854-4693 or ssnyder@phillynews.com, or follow on Twitter @ssnyderinq
Philadelphia Inquirer, November 13, 2012, Read article online
