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PITTSBURGH, Sept. 16, 2021 – The Children’s Institute is pleased to announce three new executives have officially joined the organization’s board of directors.

Janis Burley Wilson is president and CEO of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC), where she also serves as artistic director. During her time at the AWAACC, Burley Wilson has initiated numerous successful cultural events, established new partnerships, implemented capital projects, and led the organization to financial stability. Previously, Burley Wilson served as vice president at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for 15 years where she worked to diversify the Pittsburgh arts scene. A Pittsburgh native, Burley Wilson earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Duquesne University.

Steffanie Jasper is senior vice president, head of enterprise risk management and independent risk management COO at PNC, where she is responsible for governance and policy, issues management, risk reporting, and monitoring. Jasper has held a variety of executive roles and has led numerous strategic initiatives during her career at PNC. She is a graduate of both Leadership Pittsburgh and the Advanced Leadership Initiative at the Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business. Jasper earned her bachelor’s degree in government and psychology from Georgetown University and a master’s degree in economic development and financial management from Carnegie Mellon.

Lidia Turzai, M.D., is a board-certified pediatrician for CCP Pittsburgh Pediatrics. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and has had an active affiliation with Magee Women’s Hospital since 1995, as well as previous long-standing affiliations with both West Penn Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, where she maintains Community status. Dr. Turzai earned her bachelor’s degree from Duke University and an M.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, and also completed her residency at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. 

“Each of our three new board members bring a new wave of energy to the organization along with incredible expertise in the cultural arts, financial services, and health care sectors and we welcome them to our team at The Children’s Institute,” said Dr. Wendy Pardee, president and CEO at The Children’s Institute. “We appreciate each individual’s knowledge and strategic insight as we seek to accomplish the goals identified in our Vision 2023 strategic plan and look forward to an amazing future at The Children’s Institute.”

About The Children’s Institute
Established in 1902, The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh is an independent and licensed nonprofit organization whose mission is: To Heal. To Teach. To Empower. To Amaze. The passionate team at The Children’s Institute is dedicated to the amazing kids and families they serve, helping children to reach their full potential through educational services, autism services, outpatient physical and behavioral health services, early intervention, and child and family services. The Children’s Institute serves more than 6,000 children each year at seven campuses across Western Pa. Visit www.amazingkids.org or call 412.420.2400 to learn more.