Civic Leadership Institute names new CEO

Mary Kate Andris worked for Girl Scouts, YWCA previously

Published April 19, 2023 by Robyn Sidersky

Mary Kate Andris has been named the next president and CEO of the Norfolk-based Civic Leadership Institute in Hampton Roads.

Civic aims to connect executive leaders to improve life in Hampton Roads and runs an eight-month executive program, recognizes philanthropic leaders with its Darden Awards and hosts a scholars program for Old Dominion University and Tidewater Community College students,

Sarah Jane Kirkland, the previous president and CEO, left Civic to become ODU’s associate vice president for corporate partnerships in March.

Andris joins Civic after serving as director of council partnerships for Girl Scouts of the USA. She supported 30 council CEOs and their board chairs in annual and strategic planning for growth and sustainability. Before that, she was president and CEO of the YWCA South Hampton Roads.

Andris earned a doctor of education in higher education administration and a master’s degree in higher education from Widener University and a bachelor’s degree in international management from Moravain University.

Cathy Lewis, who led the organization from 2001 through 2018, served as interim president after Kirkland left.

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