PHILADELPHIA, PA — Clarifi, a prominent nonprofit dedicated to financial empowerment, has announced that Steve Gardner will retire as President and Executive Director at the end of 2024. Under Gardner’s leadership, Clarifi made significant strides in serving economically marginalized communities and addressing systemic issues like racial injustice and affordable housing.
During his tenure, Gardner spearheaded initiatives to enhance financial resilience and wealth building. One notable program launched in 2020 focused on direct financial assistance, distributing over $1.1 million to families across Philadelphia. This initiative, along with a specialized reentry program, aided justice-impacted individuals in accessing more than $830,000, contributing significantly to financial stabilization.
Gardner’s leadership also saw Clarifi deepen its collaboration with the City of Philadelphia. In 2019, the organization helped launch the Restore, Repair, Renew program, which invested $10.3 million in home repairs for over 370 households, bolstering housing security through low-interest loans.
Clarifi’s reach expanded through strategic partnerships with organizations like CareerLink and CHOP Karabots, enhancing the accessibility of its counseling services. Furthermore, the affiliation with GreenPath Financial Wellness allowed Clarifi to incorporate advanced technological support, broadening its impact and service offerings.
Gardner’s career before Clarifi included a lengthy tenure as an audit partner at Deloitte, providing him with a robust understanding of financial processes. His experience was instrumental in diversifying Clarifi’s funding and expanding its network of corporate partners.
Reflecting on his retirement, Gardner expressed pride in the accomplishments achieved during his leadership, attributing them to the dedicated staff and a diverse leadership team. His efforts leave Clarifi in a strong position to continue its mission of economic upliftment.
To find a successor who shares this vision, Clarifi has enlisted Koya Leadership Partners to conduct the executive search. Potential candidates who are passionate about driving meaningful change in marginalized communities are encouraged to reach out for more information.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.