We would love to meet with you and talk about how the Covestro Center for Community Engagement at Robert Morris University can serve you and your individual needs.
Covestro Center for Community Engagement
RMU Downtown, Heinz 57 building
339 Sixth Avenue, Suite 750
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-397-6002
Fax: 412-397-6016
Email: cie@rmu.edu
CCCE STAFF
Yvonne Van Haitsma, Associate Director
Phone: 412-397-6002
Email: vanhaitsma@rmu.edu
Yvonne Van Haitsma, Associate Director, Covestro Center for Community Engagement at Robert Morris University began working with the Bayer Center for nonprofit management in 2000, initially working with nonprofit organizations on collaboration planning, strategic planning, and board development. Now she works building collaborations between companies and nonprofits, creating win-win-win relationships that build nonprofit capacity, corporate social responsibility, employee engagement, and purpose-driven opportunities for companies and their workforce. She manages the Executive Service Corps, SkillShare, and BoardsWork! Yvonne earned her M.S.W. in Community Organizing and Nonprofit Management at the University of Pittsburgh and has worked with nonprofits in Pittsburgh, Ecuador, and El Salvador.
Jennifer Pease, Program Specialist
Phone: 412-397-6013
Email: pease@rmu.edu
Jennifer Pease, Program Specialist, Covestro Center for Community Engagement at Robert Morris University, manages the BoardsWork! and SkillShare operations, in addition to telling the story of the communities they bring together. She is president and founder of Senior Pet and Animal Rescue and an advisory board member of her local YMCA. Jen has held leadership positions with Humane Animal Rescue, Steel City Road Runners Club, WYEP radio, Family House, Hello Bully, and St. Paul Cathedral. She maintains a degree in English writing and public and professional writing certificate from the University of Pittsburgh.
SUPPORTING STAFF
Peggy Morrison Outon is the founding Executive Director of the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at RMU, and now serves as Assistant Vice President for Community Engagement and Leadership Development at Robert Morris University. She is also the founding Director of the Centers for Effective Nonprofit Management in Austin, Texas, and New Orleans, and the founding board chair of the Alliance for Nonprofit Management. A nationally noted consultant, fundraiser, and trainer, Peggy has worked with more than 1,000 nonprofit clients and with the help of many people, helped organizations raise in excess of $40 million. She served as founding member of the Drucker Foundation’s international training team and as a trainer. She has been an active community volunteer, serving on 33 community boards and countless committees. In August 2006, she was named to the national Nonprofit Times Top 50 for Power and Influence and has been recognized locally by several organizations, including the Girls Scouts and Pittsburgh City Council.
Evie Gardner is Consultant, Organizational Development and Finance at the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University. She has teamed with a diverse set of clients on projects ranging from enhancing governance and evaluation practices to diversifying revenues and clarifying organizational strategy. Her integrated approach supports nonprofits as they use data and numbers to drive strategic decision-making. Evie holds a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and master of public administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She was the 2012 Heinz Endowments Graduate Fellow, is an AmeriCorps alumna, and is the President of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Pittsburgh.
Shelby Gracey is Office Coordinator at the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University, responsible for keeping the center’s office functions flowing smoothly. After receiving an A.S. from Lake-Sumter Community College, as well as certification as a professional secretary, she went on to work in healthcare public relations, word processing, and computer support. Shelby is also organist and director of music at Sunset Hills United Presbyterian Church, where she coordinates and plays music for church services, and directs the adult, children’s, and handbell choirs.
Susan Loucks is Senior Consultant, Organizational Development and Strategy at the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University. A longtime resident of Boston, she has worked as an organizational development consultant for nonprofits independently and with the Human and Institutional Development Forum in Bangalore, India. Particular areas of focus include transitions (e.g. leadership, business model, size), efficiently and effectively involving people in organizational improvements and systems development, and communication/conflict. Susan holds a master’s degree from the University of Michigan, a bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College, and a certificate in Grassroots Development and NGO Management from the School for International Training.
Carrie Richards is Programs Team Leader at the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University, where her favorite roles are playing BoardsWork! matchmaker and crafting the educational catalog. She mentors in the Women’s Leadership and Mentorship Program and teaches in the Nonprofit Leadership Association, both at RMU. A Northsider and proud owner of a rescued pit bull, she’s an animal rescue volunteer, member of Elks Lodge #339, and Board President for Allegheny Goatscape. Carrie is an RMU alumna with master’s degrees in nonprofit management and human resources. She and her husband Bradly love exploring National Parks and visiting Disney World as often as possible.
Carrie Tancraitor is Associate Director at the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University, responsible for the collection and analysis of customer, demographic, and survey data. She also contributes original research to various studies on the nonprofit sector. Carrie was a Schreyer’s Scholar at The Pennsylvania State University, holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Delaware and a Ph.D. from Robert Morris University. An active volunteer, she is a marathoner and proud parent to three spirited boys.
