Philadelphia Futures, a nonprofit organization that helps low-income, first-generation-to-college students obtain the resources and tools they need to succeed, has named Sara L. Woods as its next executive director.
Woods succeeds Joan Mazzotti, who announced late last year that she would step down after leading the nonprofit for 16 years. Woods will assume her new role on March 6.
Woods said in a statement: “Philadelphia Futures has a rich history of progress and results and I am thrilled to join the team. I look forward to continuing the important work of this organization in conjunction with the dedicated staff and board.
“As a teacher, lawyer and administrator, I am excited to help create new opportunities for the young people of our community to realize college success.”
Woods worked for more than nine years as the executive director of Philadelphia VIP, a legal services agency for low-income individuals and families. While there, she helped triple the organization’s overall revenue, improve outcomes for clients, and establish the agency as the hub of pro bono legal service in Philadelphia. Woods has also worked as the director of public service careers and pro bono programs at Villanova University School of Law and as staff attorney at Women Against Abuse and the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County. Woods has a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University, a law degree from Villanova University, and a master’s degree in public administration from Villanova.
Woods has been meeting with Mazzotti to discuss a transition schedule.
Mazzotti said, “I’m confident that [Woods will] bring a wealth of new ideas and new sources of support for the organization. I wish Sara all the best because she’s going to have the best job in Philly.”
