Nonprofit leader Wanda Pierce has been selected as the interim executive director of Carpenter’s Shelter, the organization announced today.
Pierce, the former CEO of the Arlington Community Foundation, started work yesterday (Tuesday), temporarily filling the vacancy recently left by former longtime Executive Director Shannon Steene. Pierce will manage Carpenter’s Shelter’s 64-bed Hoffman Center, as well as the 64-bed Alexandria Community Shelter on Mill Road as the organization’s board of directors conducts a national search for Steene’s replacement.
“During the search for an interim leader, Wanda Pierce emerged for her tremendous interim executive experience, her strong leadership and operational skills, and her longtime devotion to serving others,” Jonathan Wolcott, the board chair at Carpenter’s Shelter, said in a release. “With deep experience in nonprofits, particularly those with a social service mission, Wanda brings the right balance of head, heart and transitional experience to this role. Following Shannon Steene’s exceptional tenure and stewardship, Wanda is joining Carpenter’s in a place of strength operationally, financially and strategically.”
From 2008 to 2017, Pierce was CEO of the Arlington Community Foundation, a hub for charitable giving and local grants. Since then, she’s run her own philanthropy consulting firm.
“It is a privilege to join an organization so deeply rooted in community and committed to walking alongside individuals and families on their path to stability,” Pierce said. “My focus will be on supporting the team, reinforcing the systems that ensure high-quality services, and helping position Carpenter’s Shelter for its next chapter while ensuring a smooth leadership transition.”
Pierce was the CEO of the Washington Tennis and Education from 2000 to 2004 and was vice president of marketing and communications at Alexandria-based United Way Worldwide from 1990 to 1999. She previously served as an interim director at several D.C. region nonprofits, including Alexandria’s Child & Family Network Centers. Pierce has a degree in economics from Harvard University and a master’s degree in business administration from Columbia University, according to her LinkedIn page.
In its release, Carpenter’s Shelter said the board is currently choosing an executive search firm to find a permanent executive director.
“With a new strategic plan adopted in 2024, Carpenter’s Shelter is expanding its pursuit of mission growth through collaborations with other non-profit leaders, local governments, donors and business partners and will seek candidates that share the mission growth vision and experience in growing organizations,” the organization said. “The new chief executive will plan a lead role in advancing this growth while maintaining the remarkable connection to Alexandria and the thousands of donors and volunteers who contribute to Carpenter’s Shelter through serving meals to shelter residents, supporting fundraising events and contributing their time and talent to ending and preventing homelessness.”
