PITTSBURGH, Pa., Dec. 12, 2025 – The Heinz Endowments has named Amy Gianficaro Managing Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications, a position created to expand the direction of communications during a time of rapidly changing technology, social engagement and branding. She most recently served as Senior Vice President of Marketing for National Philanthropic Trust (NPT), an independent public charity and donor-advised fund sponsor.
A University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown graduate in journalism, she worked 20 years as a news reporter and editor and led community engagement, communications and corporate philanthropy for the former Calkins Media.
Endowments President Chris DeCardy said Gianficaro met the foundation's criteria for a leader “who would ensure that our communications and media relations reflect the values of the Endowments and who could amplify messaging across different platforms that highlights the work of our grantees and aligns with the missions of our philanthropic and civic partners.”
“Amy has the experience we need to fully realize our opportunity to raise public engagement with the issues and solutions critical for the future of our region.”
Gianficaro has relocated to Pittsburgh from the Philadelphia suburbs and is looking forward to immersing herself in her new position.
“I spent a lot of time in Pittsburgh while a student at Pitt-Johnstown 35 years ago. This is not the same city that I remember,” Gianficaro said. “It’s a vibrant center of arts and culture, commerce and technology, education, health and natural beauty. It’s a city humming with progress and opportunity.”
“For sure, there is work to be done to realize the Endowments’ vision of a Pittsburgh region that is an exemplary and sustainable place where everyone prospers and belongs. In that work, storytelling is a powerful tool, and I am excited to work alongside my new colleagues to tell the stories of our region.”
Gianficaro worked at NPT for seven years, leading marketing and more recently communications and creative services.
“Amy is a creative, collaborative colleague and strategic thinker who cares deeply about her teams and audiences,” said NPT Chief Growth Officer Matt Rovi. “Her experience developing a strong marketing function within a traditional communications team will serve her well at The Heinz Endowments.”
Gianficaro has been recognized for excellence in reporting by the Pennsylvania Press Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. Her editing experience includes managing investigative stories on the opioid epidemic’s impact on suburban teens and the challenges immigrants faced in suburban Philadelphia in the early 2000s.
She is a member of the board of HealthSpark Foundation of Montgomery County, a community-focused grantmaker, and was a founding member of a United Way of Bucks County committee that launched the annual Bucks Knocks Out Hunger volunteer event and fundraiser.
“Amy championed our efforts to engage community members through convenings and storytelling,” said HealthSpark President and CEO Emma Hertz. “She helped oversee the growth of our communications, storytelling and advocacy strategies, especially as a tool for highlighting our nonprofit partners work and for growing our own advocacy capacity.”
United Way of Bucks County President and CEO Marissa Christie said because of the strong foundation Gianficaro built, Bucks Knocks Out Hunger “is still thriving and achieving consistent year-over-year growth. It is so successful that United Way Worldwide is using the framework as part of a global strategy.”
An outdoors enthusiast, Gianficaro enjoys biking, hiking and exploring and started participating in triathlons six years ago, completing the Philadelphia Women’s Triathlon three times. She looks forward to discovering new trails and paths in Pittsburgh.
About The Heinz Endowments
The Heinz Endowments works to grow an exemplary, sustainable Pittsburgh region where everyone prospers and belongs. Our work in Arts & Culture; Civic Participation; Climate, Environment & Health; Community & Economic Development; Food Systems; Veterans; and Workforce is supported by reliable data based on results-focused goals. The Endowments is among the 55 largest philanthropic organizations in the United States, distributing approximately $90 million in grants annually.
Media Contact:
Carmen Lee
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412-338-2628