ATLANTA (September 12, 2008) – The Atlanta Women’s Foundation (AWF) announced that Barbara J. Mosacchio will become its chief executive officer. Barbara will officially join AWF on November 10, 2008, Emily-May Richards, AWF Board Chair and CFO/COO of The Shoptaw Group announced today.

“Mosacchio is known for her extraordinary passion for the most urgent issues facing women and girls, and her creativity in delivering strategic programs for their benefit. Her deep program experience, community engagement skills, and innovative, inclusive leadership approach will have a positive and sustainable impact on AWF’s work,” Richards said.

Mosacchio currently serves as the chief executive officer of the YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas. She joined the YWCA in November 2001 and led the organization through a strategic transformation—redirecting core programming of the YWCA from 23 programs to a more singular focus on self-sufficiency for women through child care, parenting skills, financial literacy and health services. She increased unrestricted revenue by 250% and grant funding by 300%.

“I am honored to be asked to lead AWF and build on the strength of the foundation’s important work and its strong impact. One of my greatest strengths is the ability to create strategic alliances, and to move among community leaders to build collaborations and support. It is very energizing to have the support of extraordinary stakeholders who comprise the donors, board, and staff. My life’s passion is to generate opportunities and the highest level of self-sufficiency for women and girls. I am fortunate that my passion and work are converging with The Atlanta Women’s Foundation.”

In response to the announcement of Mosacchio’s selection, Alicia Philipp, President of The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta noted, “The Atlanta Women’s Foundation is a vital partner in our region’s efforts to address the critical issues impacting the lives of women and girls. Barb’s reputation for thoughtful, passionate leadership will be an asset to our community’s collaborative efforts to implement solutions to address the problems that impede the ultimate success of women and girls in particular and in the region at large.”

Prior to joining the YWCA, Mosacchio had an extensive career in guiding results-driven programs in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors. She served as senior manager of research and communications at the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and held senior positions at MMS Incentives and Chicago-based Second Harvest National Food Bank Network. She was president/owner of Veritas Research and Consulting.

The Atlanta Women’s Foundation is a Georgia foundation focused solely on the challenges faced by women and girls. Founded in 1986 as The Atlanta Women’s Fund under the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, AWF became a stand alone organization in 1998. Over 20 years, AWF has raised funds from individuals, corporations, and foundations and has strategically invested more than $10 million in grants to non-profit organizations effectively impacting women and girls. Through grant-making, leadership development, advocacy and public education, The Atlanta Women’s Foundation works to create a community where women and girls live lives of dignity, hope and possibility.

BoardWalk Consulting conducted the national search, working with AWF’s six-member search committee.

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Press Enquiries:
Contact: Karen Elaine Webster Parks
The Atlanta Women’s Foundation
Email: karenwebsterparks@atlantawomen.org
Cell: 404-861-7479
Office Phone: 404-577-5000 x 107