America’s best weekly Harmony Club of Homestead, Pa., Lance Weems Scholarship Prayer Brunch SEE PAGE A4
Pittsburgh Courier NEW
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www.newpittsburghcourier.com Vol. 117 No. 22 Two Sections
JUNE 3-9, 2026
Bill Generett Jr. appointed President/CEO of The Pittsburgh Foundation The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that The Pittsburgh Foundation’s board of directors named William Generett Jr. as the organization’s seventh president and chief executive officer (CEO) following a fivemonth national search. The announcement was made, Wednesday, May 27, 2026. A proven leader with a deep commitment to community, innovation and underserved populations, Generett has built a career setting and achieving bold visions through entrepreneurship, economic and workforce development, and civic engagement. His successes in growing southwestern Pennsylvania’s economy and expanding opportunities for upward mobility in Pittsburgh have rippled across the region and have become national models for other cities to follow. Generett succeeds Lisa Schroeder, who retired earlier this year following a seven-year tenure in the position. He starts as president and CEO Aug. 1. “We embarked on this search during a time of great evolution at The Pittsburgh Foundation,” said Jack McGinley, chair of the board of directors, co-chair of the search committee and member of Eckert Seamans. “The board sought a leader who would steward this organization to the next step in its community-focused
journey, and Bill’s passion for Pittsburgh and track record for overcoming immense challenges made him an ideal candidate.” Generett is no stranger to the Pittsburgh community, and especially Pittsburgh's African American community, as he was a member of the New Pittsburgh Courier's "Men of Excellence" in 2009. The Foundation opened new offices with ample gathering space in February 2025 to focus on fostering community and civic engagement. Since then, it has hosted hundreds of convenings across sectors. While still following its 2023-27 strategic plan, the Foundation is emphasizing this type of deep connection with leadership, donor and nonprofit audiences as it seeks new resources and partnerships to support both its mission and nonprofits that are facing a dramatically altered funding landscape following federal service and budget reductions. “Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit brings an ability to embrace change and inspire resilience,” said Jordan Pallitto, board member, co-chair of the search committee and chief operating officer of The Hill Group. “Much of his experience correlates with the Foundation’s work. He unites disparate groups across the regional, state SEE GENERETT A5
BILL GENERETT JR.
“The board sought a leader who would steward this organization to the next step in its community-focused journey, and Bill’s passion for Pittsburgh and track record for overcoming immense challenges made him an ideal candidate.” - Jack McGinley Chair, Board of Directors, The Pittsburgh Foundation
Three Rivers Youth still serves the needs of the most vulnerable populations Annual Gala held, May 8 by Renee P. Aldrich For New Pittsburgh Courier
On Friday, May 8, the organization Three Rivers Youth (TRY) held its annual gala, celebrating 146 years of servicing disenfranchised youth and families. The organization is the second-oldest surviving institution to provide a home for abandoned, neglected and abused children of color. In direct alignment with the founders’ motivation to care for the most vulnerable, Three Rivers Youth continues to specialize in service to low-income and minority populations. For the occasion of this celebration, Zane Ice Newton, 12 years young, took to the stage and when asked what advice he had for the attendees, he had no problem telling them to hold God's hand and all
would be alright. He also told the audience to thank God for every day in which they wake. He was uniquely qualified to speak about faith and God’s goodness since he was just days away from being officially adopted, by Lois Newton. This year’s theme, "Race of Roses—A Kentucky Derby Affair," was in keeping with the theme of the three previous years. The backdrop for the over 400 audience members were the men and women decked out in their finest Derby attire; women in their fascinators and men in straw hats, and the Wyndham Grand Hotel ballroom draped in pink roses all over. Event co-chairs this year were Derrick Wilson, of The Wilson Group, and Howard Russell of Hui SEE THREE RIVERS A3
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HONOREES DORIS CARSON WILLIAMS, SALEEM GHUBRIL, JANIS BURLEY. (PHOTO BY J.L. MARTELLO)