We are very pleased to share that our very own executive director, Maelene Myers, has been recognized as a standout nonprofit leader by the New Pittsburgh Courier. đź‘Ź
And she is indeed a standout leader.
Maelene has led ELDI since 1996, helping guide one of Pittsburgh’s most significant neighborhood transformations. When she arrived in East Liberty, the community was facing vacancy, blight, crime, and decades of disinvestment. Her first priority was listening.
Hundreds of community meetings helped shape A Vision for East Liberty in 1999, followed by the East Liberty Community Plan in 2010—plans that have guided our work ever since.
Under Maelene’s leadership, we have worked alongside residents and partners to turn that community vision into tangible change while helping longtime residents remain in East Liberty and share in its revitalization.
By 2023, projects influenced by the community plans represented more than $1.2 billion in investment, alongside more than 1,139 new affordable rental units, 320 houses acquired and rehabilitated, and 2,800 jobs.
Throughout it all, Maelene has remained deeply committed to affordable housing—rental and homeownership—and an East Liberty where people across income levels can continue to call the neighborhood home.
ELDI’s longtime partner, Tammy Thompson, was also recognized
👏 We are also especially proud to see our longtime partner Tammy Thompson, who leads Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, recognized among this year’s honorees.
Catapult grew out of our work in East Liberty and has since become a pioneering organization of its own, helping entrepreneurs and families across the Pittsburgh region build greater economic security and access opportunity.
Seeing both Maelene and Tammy recognized is a special moment for us—a reflection of the many years they have dedicated to creating lasting change in the East End and across Pittsburgh.
Congratulations, Maelene and Tammy! This recognition is richly deserved.
