Communities in Schools of Pennsylvania Announces Leadership Transition

HARRISBURG, Pa. (April 5, 2023) – Communities in Schools of Pennsylvania (CISPA) announces that Jessica Knapp, who currently serves as the organization’s Vice President, will step into the role of State President and CEO effective July 1, 2023. Jessica will succeed Jenna Lewis, who served the organization for six years.

CISPA is part of the national Communities in Schools network, which operates in 27 states and the District of Columbia and serves more than 1.2 million youth annually. In 2014, CISPA launched its first school-based programs in The School District of the City of York. Since then, CISPA has grown to serve 24 schools across 11 school districts. CISPA’s mission is to “surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.”

Knapp has been with CISPA for four years and has been an integral part of CISPA's success, contributing significantly to the organization's growth and development. Knapp is a Doctoral Candidate in Public Administration at West Chester University, with an anticipated graduation date in May 2023. With more than 13 years of experience in the nonprofit field, Knapp brings to CISPA an extensive knowledge of nonprofit leadership, fund development and collaboration best practices.

“We are grateful for Jenna's dedication and hard work during her time with CISPA,” said Kim Staudt, CISPA Board of Directors Chairman. “She played a huge role in the strides the organization has made in the past six years. We are also excited to have Jessica stepping up as CISPA’s President. She is the perfect fit for the role, and we are confident that she will continue to lead the organization with great success."

During her tenure, Lewis helped the organization navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and supported its exponential growth. Jenna will remain involved with CISPA in a part-time advisory role to assist with the transition through the end of the calendar year and she intends to join CISPA’s Board of Directors. The Board of Directors and staff of Communities in Schools of Pennsylvania would like to extend their sincere thanks to Jenna Lewis for her years of service and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

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About Communities in Schools of Pennsylvania 

Communities in Schools of Pennsylvania (CISPA) is an affiliate of the national Communities in Schools network, which operates in 27 states and the District of Columbia and serves more than 1.2 million youth annually. Communities in Schools’ holistic approach addresses both the academic and nonacademic needs of students. Communities in Schools recognizes that if basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter are not met, children are unable to learn. 

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