Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania (GWP) announced the appointment of its new Executive Director, Amber Farr. The organization is a professional membership association formed in 1985 by leaders who wanted to create a place where grantmakers could learn and work together to increase their community impact.
“Amber Farr brings a deep personal commitment to the role philanthropy can play in building strong, vibrant communities, and has led place-based, community-engaged initiatives. She is the perfect next leader of Grantmakers of Western PA,” says Kristy Trautmann, Board Chair. “For nearly 40 years, GWP has been a key leader and resource, supporting philanthropy within this region. Amber is a dynamic leader, poised to elevate the work of our members and advance equitable and inclusive community change.”
Farr, a life-long resident of Southwestern Pennsylvania has a passion for philanthropy and community, having worked in the nonprofit and government sectors for more than 14 years. She has experience in managing and developing programs, relationship and systems building, management, facilitation and community development.
In a prior role as the founding director of One Northside, at The Buhl Foundation, Amber spent seven years as a place-based embedded philanthropist working alongside hundreds of community members and stakeholders to catalyze and support long-term sustainable change for Pittsburgh’s 18 Northside neighborhoods. In addition to her role at the foundation, Amber also co-launched CoLab18 to provide the space, technology and access to resources so residents can problem-solve, learn and dream.
“I am humbled and honored to serve as the new executive director for Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania,” says Farr. “As a former funder, I am excited about the opportunity to reconnect with philanthropy to find new, innovative, and just ways to learn about and serve our region. Grantmakers is in a unique space for growth, and I look forward to collaborating with the sector and engaging with the community to increase our members’ impact.”
Farr holds a master’s degree from Point Park University, and is an alum of The Advanced Leadership Institute and Leadership Pittsburgh. She is also active in the community by serving on numerous boards and volunteering for several organizations.