The University of Pittsburgh, in collaboration with Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and Pitt alumna Frances Hesselbein, has established The Frances Hesselbein Leadership Forum at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA).
 
Since 1990, Hesselbein has been at the helm of a leadership institute founded as the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management. In 2012, the organization was renamed to honor Hesselbein and her ongoing contributions. It continued its work and mission as The Frances Hesselbein Leadership Institute by providing social sector leaders with essential leadership wisdom, inspiration and resources to lead for innovation and to build vibrant social sector organizations. The institute has chosen to transfer many of its assets to the University of Pittsburgh to establish The Frances Hesselbein Leadership Forum.

The Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership released its annual report for the 2016-2017 academic year. Dr. Kevin Kearns, a GSPIA professor and director of the institute, highlighted the new and ongoing programs that make the Johnson Institute such a valuable asset to Pitt, the Pittsburgh community, and the world beyond. This year, the institute received the largest single foundation grant in its history from the Richard King Mellon Foundation in recognition of its community outreach initiatives such as the Leadership Portfolio Program and the Nonprofit Clinic. 

In a landslide victory, GSPIA Alumnus and incumbent Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto (MPPM ’11) garnered nearly 70% of the votes in the May 16th primary election, securing the Democratic Party nomination. As no Republican challengers have appeared, the path is clear for Peduto to assume a second term as Pittsburgh’s mayor.  

By Mamadou Ndiaye Jr.

On March 28, Dr. Jim Withers received the Exemplary Leadership Award from the Johnson Institute. Dr. Withers was recognized for his work with Operation Safety Net and the Street Medicine Institute. These organizations focus on healthcare provision to the homeless in communities in Pittsburgh and across the globe. At the luncheon held in his honor, Withers spoke about his career path and the need within the healthcare system to become more "humanized.” 

The Johnson Institute’s Case Study Series features the accomplishments of the Institute’s Exemplary Leadership Award Winners. This is the sixth case study in the exemplary leader series and it documents the leadership of Pitt alumnus Bill Strickland, CEO, Manchester Bidwell Corporation.  Mr. Strickland founded the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild in 1968 and in 1972 assumed leadership of the Bidwell Training Center. The two now operate side by side in a beautiful facility in Pittsburgh’s Manchester neighborhood.