PITTSBURGH, Nov. 17, 2023 – In recognition of their exemplary work and dedication, Heinz Endowments staff members Christie Cawley, Ruth Hodsoll, Josie Innamorato and Michele Sullenger have been promoted, with their new positions and responsibilities effective November 1.

Christie Cawley has been named chief people & culture officer, a full-time position with responsibility for the foundation’s human resources, office culture and professional development efforts. Ms. Cawley joined the Endowments in 2022, bringing 25 years of business and nonprofit experience, including as executive director at Family House Pittsburgh; executive career consultant with Careerminds; executive leadership and business consultant with Center for Victory; and as president of tHRive-People Practices for Nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and is a graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh’s XXVII cohort where she furthered her civic leadership and engagement skills.

Ruth Hodsoll has been promoted to program assistant for the Endowments’ Sustainability team. Ms. Hodsoll joined the Endowments team in 2015, bringing professional experience from prior roles at University of Pittsburgh, Animal Friends, and Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. Previously serving as Administrative Assistant for the Endowments' Office of the President, her new position provides support for programming colleagues whose work centers on the environment, food security and social sustainability. She holds dual degrees in Philosophy and Psychology from State University of New York Albany.

Josie Innamorato has been named the Endowment’s director of Learning, Evaluation & Research. In her new role, Ms. Innamorato supports the Endowments' strategic areas of focus in transforming data into actionable information that can be used for grantmaking and policy decisions. Joining the Endowments in 2021 as lead analyst of measurement and evaluation, she has a professional history of program evaluation and policy analysis for local government and nonprofits, as well as experience in teaching, education policy and city infrastructure engineering. This background has shaped the transdisciplinary approach she brings to her work. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Virginia, as well as a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the University of California at Berkley’s Goldman School of Public Policy. She is a Board member at the Pittsburgh Public Theater.

Michele Sullenger has been tapped as the Endowment’s managing director of Finance & Administration. In her new role, Ms. Sullenger will lead the Endowments in financial accounting and reporting, manage investment back-office efforts and tax functions, as well as provide leadership on administrative matters including grantmaking operations, technology services and systems, and employee benefit plans. Her prior professional experience includes positions at The Hillman Company, Madison Marquette and Ernst & Young. She is a certified public accountant in Pennsylvania, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Penn State University, and serves a survey committee co-chair for the Foundation Financial Officers Group.

“This wonderful group of team members at The Heinz Endowments brings a wealth of experience, dedication to our mission, and good will to all they do,” said Endowments President Chris DeCardy. “Their history of excellent work, respect for their colleagues, and enthusiasm for helping make our region a better place for all has led to these well-deserved promotions.”