Bittersweet Farewell - Executive Director Katie Modic Will Move on From Organization in June
Communitopia made the bittersweet announcement this week that Katie Modic, who has worked for the organization since 2018 and served as the organization’s Executive Director since 2020, will be stepping down from her role in June, 2022 as her family makes a move to a hybrid lifestyle spending part of the year in Pittsburgh and part of the year in Costa Rica.
While the decision to make a leadership change is hard, both Mrs. Modic and the Board of Directors know that for Communitopia to continue to effectively advance its mission, it is best led by an individual who has boots on the ground in Pittsburgh year-round. “This has been hard, but through Katie’s leadership, we find ourselves as prepared as we have ever been to onboard new, passionate and talented staff,” shares Ellen Conrad, Board President. The organization has recently onboarded three new board members, hired a new full-time Director of Education, has a hot off the press strategic plan and a 5-year track record for fiscal growth. The critical work of Communitopia continues, including initiating a widespread regional search for a new leader, which the organization will undertake in March, 2022.
“Leading Communitopia has been the most meaningful of honors for me,” said Mrs. Modic. “Communitopia is one of Pittsburgh’s most promising organizations to meet the climate crisis head-on by using education as a tool for advancing local solutions. I care deeply for our staff, board of directors, students, teachers, district partners, and the fate of our city. I’m extremely proud that our programs make a positive impact and are built using high-quality, transformative methods. While there is still so much important work to be done, my family is in Costa Rica, and they are my heart. I recognize that it is possible to lead the organization from abroad, but it’s not wise. Pittsburgh is a vibrant, dynamic, powerful community and I know there is local talent who can now take the reins and fly!”
During Katie’s tenure with the organization, it transitioned from a primarily volunteer-run organization to a thriving hub for localized climate change education with 4 staff members and a 250% growth in annual budget. Alongside staff and key partners, other significant accomplishments include:
The inception of Communitopia’s youth programming which now includes Climate Change Maker Workshops, Pittsburgh Youth for Climate Action, Climate Action Teams, and an annual Youth Climate Action Summit reaching hundreds of Pittsburgh-area youth every year.
The creation of all of our educator and district-level programming including our Climate Change Teacher Fellowship Program and our school district Climate Action Plans.
The passing of the first school board approved Climate Action Resolution in the state of Pennsylvania.
The winning of the 2020 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for our Youth Empowerment in Climate Change Education in Allegheny County’s Environmental Justice Communities.
A significant deepening of the organization’s dedication to using education and the education sector to uplift and center youth voices in our region resulting in a new organizational mission, vision statement, and set of powerful values.
The building of an exceptional staff team recognized for their dedication, expertise and excellence, along with the creation of a collaborative organizational culture.
A successful transition in the organization’s board leadership from longtime leader Joylette Portlock to the next chapter of dedicated, talented board members
Prior to her work at Communitopia Katie spent 20+ years as a leader in the Education Sector in roles ranging from classroom teacher to Director of Learning Support. A lifetime advocate for youth and a true believer in education as an avenue for positive change, she also serves on a number of boards that champion this work including the Verto Foundation which provides access to transformative educational opportunities abroad for low-income students. “What I believe about the inherent assets of the human spirit and how they contribute to a community’s growth when fostered well, I saw here, in our students and in Pittsburgh. I will forever be inspired by Communitopia’s mission, impact, and the incredible community members we engage with!”
