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Chad Tibayan

Palmer Scholars Announces Interim Executive Director

Helen McGovern-Pilant to lead organization starting July 1, 2024


Tacoma, WA – Helen McGovern-Pilant has been named Interim Executive Director of Palmer Scholars. The organization continues in its commitment to bridging the gap between potential and opportunity for young adults of color in Pierce County was created to address the societal inequities that prevent otherwise highly capable young adults of color from achieving their dreams and ending generational cycles of poverty. The decision is part of a plan by the Board of Directors to find a permanent successor while a regional search firm conducts a search for the next permanent Executive Director.


Helen McGovern-Pilant most recently served as the Interim Executive Director of the Tacoma Art Museum (TAM), and before her time at TAM, she was the Interim CEO of Workforce Central and Executive Director of the Emergency Food Network. She brings a strong non-profit executive leadership background and a core understanding of the organization’s mission and vision. In considering her role in this time of transition for the organization, she offered the following thoughts:


“It is an honor to join such a well-respected agency to serve our community. The dedicated staff and Board will be a pleasure to work with.”


The Board of Directors is eager to have Helen join the Palmer organization. She brings a breadth of knowledge, passion and experience to this position, and a demonstrated strategic vision for the organization, which will allow the organization to continue its impactful work in the community supporting young adults of color in achieving their dreams.


The Interim role will steward us in running an organizational assessment to determine where we need to grow and will work closely with the Board and staff on fulfilling the interim executive director responsibilities. Along with the capable and committed support of the staff, the work of Palmer Scholars will not only continue, but flourish. As Helen joins the Palmer organization, we want to take a moment to extend our gratitude to Denise Nicole Franklin, who served as Palmer Scholars’ Interim Executive Director for the past six months. As board and staff, we thank Denise for her commitment to the organization over the last six months.


The search for Palmer Scholars’ next Executive Director will begin soon via a search firm assembled by Palmer Scholars’ Board members.




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