Alexandria Shelter Names Wanda Pierce Interim Executive Director
Board of Directors Launches Nationwide Search for New Chief Executive to Lead Next Phase of Mission Growth
ALEXANDRIA, VA — Carpenter’s Shelter, a leading nonprofit providing shelter and support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Northern Virginia, has appointed Wanda Pierce as Interim Executive Director. Her role began March 10 and will continue while the organization conducts a nationwide search for a permanent chief executive.
Pierce brings more than three decades of nonprofit leadership experience in the Washington, D.C. region. She was selected by the Board of Directors following a focused search for an experienced interim leader capable of guiding the organization through a leadership transition while maintaining operational strength.
“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,” said Jonathan Wolcott, Chair of the Board of Directors. “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 [Shelter] in a place of strength operationally, financially and strategically.”
Pierce said she looks forward to supporting the organization’s mission and working closely with its staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
“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. I am honored to support Carpenter’s Shelter during this period of change. I look forward to partnering with the staff, board, volunteers, supporters and community partners who make this mission possible,” said Pierce. “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 has spent more than 30 years serving nonprofit organizations across the Washington metropolitan area. Her previous leadership roles include positions with United Way Worldwide, the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation, and the Arlington Community Foundation.
In recent years, she has specialized in interim leadership, serving as Interim Executive Director for six nonprofit organizations. These include Georgetown Ministry Center, which provides services to individuals experiencing homelessness; New Futures, an organization focused on education and workforce development; and The Child & Family Network Centers in Alexandria, which supports early childhood development and education for low-income families.
Pierce holds an AB from Harvard University and an MBA from Columbia University. She currently resides in Arlington, Virginia.
In the coming weeks, Pierce will meet with members of the Carpenter’s Shelter community, including volunteers, donors, and government and corporate partners.
Meanwhile, the organization’s Board of Directors is selecting an executive search firm to lead a nationwide search for a permanent chief executive. The next leader will help advance Carpenter’s Shelter’s strategic plan adopted in 2024, which focuses on expanding partnerships with nonprofit leaders, local governments, donors, and business partners to strengthen services and prevent homelessness.
The new chief executive will play a key role in advancing this growth while maintaining Carpenter’s Shelter’s strong connection to the Alexandria community and the thousands of volunteers and donors who support its work each year through meal service, fundraising events, and volunteer programs dedicated to ending and preventing homelessness.
