The Independence Business Alliance (IBA), the Greater Philadelphia Region’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, announced the recent hiring of Zachary Wilcha as the organization’s first ever Executive Director. The announcement was made during the IBA’s President’s Breakfast, an opportunity for the IBA to thank their higher level members and corporate partners. In his new role, Wilcha will be responsible for leading and guiding the Chamber through its next phase of growth. “The IBA has already made powerful progress in the economic advancements and opportunities for the LGBT business community of greater Philadelphia,” said Wilcha. “As the IBA’s first Executive Director, I’m excited to continue to help create even more success stories on every level for our members of the LGBT community and our visible allies.”
The hiring committee was made up of a diverse mix of IBA members and board members, including several prominent executive directors in the LGBT community, who were responsible for putting together the job description, disseminating the application, conducting interviews, and finally making a recommendation to the IBA Board of Directors. “We had an extensive process that followed the best practices and, in the end, garnered an excellent Executive Director,” said Samantha Guisti, IBA Board Member and a member of the search committee.
Wilcha was selected for this position based on his vast professional experience, engaging personality, and passion for expanding economic opportunities within the LGBT business community. “We believe that Zach’s relationship management skills and legal background, combined with his business leadership experience and passion for the LGBT community, make him the perfect choice to guide the IBA into the future,” said Rich Horrow, IBA Board President.
Throughout his career, Wilcha has been an active volunteer on several local and national political
campaigns, and has worked with a diverse array of Philadelphia community organizations, foundations, faith groups, young professionals, and schools. His candidacy also includes a strong background in the legal, advocacy, and fundraising industries. After clerking in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and leading as a Project Attorney in a top area law firm, Wilcha’s most recent position was spent working with Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia. As Relationship Manager, Wilcha built a new branch of their Fundraising and Development department that has since been modeled throughout the nation. Wilcha graduated with a B.A. in International Relations from Saint Joseph’s University and a Juris Doctor from Villanova Law School. He is a native of Northeastern Pennsylvania and currently resides in Center City Philadelphia.
About Independence Business Alliance
The Independence Business Alliance (IBA) is the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Chamber of Commerce for the Greater Philadelphia Region. The IBA serves the LGBT and business communities of Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania; Mercer, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties in New Jersey; and New Castle county in Delaware. The IBA is a membership-based organization dedicated to making the Philadelphia region an influential and diverse LGBT business community with an impact on economic development, growth and leadership. The IBA provides opportunities, access, and resources to LGBT professionals, businesses and allies in the Greater Philadelphia area. The IBA is an official affiliate of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and an affiliate member of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce (GPCC).
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