Vera Krekanova

Vera Krekanova is the Chief Strategy & Research Officer at Allegheny Conference. Vera has over fifteen years of experience in the workforce development and social services field. Ms. Krekanova has a strong background in project management, community organizing, and research.

Ms. Krekanova began their career as a community organizer with the Institute of Cultural Affairs. In this role, they worked with various community groups to develop long-term plans and goals. Vera also assisted with grant writing and special project design.

Ms. Krekanova then became the Manager of Outpatient Program and a Therapist at Triangl, a social services organization. In this role, they provided direct services to clients and oversaw a team of therapists. Vera also created and taught a course on Project Management in Non-profit Organizations at Carles University/Jabok.

After several years working in the social services field, Ms. Krekanova founded their own consulting company, Vera Krekanova Consulting. Through their company, they consulted with various organizations on strategic planning, grant writing, and curriculum development. Vera also lectured on topics such as community work, community planning methods, and project management.

In 2006, Ms. Krekanova joined the Allegheny Conference on Community Development as the Chief Strategy Officer. In this role, they were responsible for leading collaborative workforce initiatives and industry partnerships. Vera also helped to execute the organization’s strategic plan and key projects.

Vera Krekanova has a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Social & Comparative Analysis in Public Policy from the University of Pittsburgh, a BA in Social Work from Charles University, and an MS in Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management from Robert Morris University.

*OPEN* - Regional Economic Competitiveness Officer, *OPEN* - Director, Energy Strategy, and Kaitlyn Hendrickson - Chief of Staff report to Vera Krekanova. Vera Krekanova reports to Stefani Pashman, Chief Executive Officer. Vera Krekanova works with Cecelia Cagni - Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Matt Smith - President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, and Bill Flanagan - Chief Corporate Relations Officer.