AFA adds local elected, national philanthropic leaders to its Advisory Council

Accelerator for America continues to grow our impact to even more communities nationwide, and we are honored to announce that the following local elected officials and national philanthropic leaders have joined our Advisory Council:

Local Elected Officials

• Mayor Alyia Gaskins of Alexandria, VA
• Mayor Eileen Higgins of Miami, FL (Advisory Council Co-Chair)
• Chairman Mike Kelly of Johnson County, KS
• Mayor Christina Muryn of Findlay, OH
• Mayor Rex Richardson of Long Beach, CA
• Mayor Matthew Tuerk of Allentown, PA

Philanthropic & Organizational Leaders

• Donna Frisby-Greenwood, Senior Vice President, The Pew Charitable Trusts
• Luke McGowan, Senior Program Manager, Government Innovation, Bloomberg Philanthropies
• Rip Rapson, President & CEO, The Kresge Foundation

“This expanded Advisory Council reflects the depth of talent driving change in communities across the country — mayors, local leaders, business, labor, and nonprofit partners  who are rolling up their sleeves and delivering real results every day. Their expertise is instrumental as Accelerator for America continues to identify, implement, and scale solutions to communities’ economic and community development, transit and infrastructure, housing, and workforce challenges. We’re proud to grow this network and even more excited about what we’ll accomplish together,” said Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, AFA President and CEO.

AFA’s Board of Directors also appointed Mayor Higgins as Co-Chair of the Advisory Council alongside Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, who has served as Co-Chair since 2021.

“As we grow the Advisory Council, we’re bringing in even more expertise from local leaders and nonprofit partners who understand what it takes to deliver results and are passionate about increasing economic opportunity for all. I’m thrilled to welcome Mayor Eileen Higgins as our new Co-Chair. Her leadership and fresh perspective make her an incredible partner in this work. Together, we’ll keep scaling the solutions that bring resources and opportunity to more people and more places across the country,” said Mayor Gallego.

“AFA’s Board of Directors is thrilled to see the Advisory Council grow with such a strong group of mayors and nonprofit leaders joining this year and is proud to approve Mayor Eileen Higgins as our new Advisory Council Co-Chair. Her focus on delivering tangible results for residents makes her exactly the kind of partner who will help guide this organization forward,” said AFA Board Chair and former Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla.