Anne-Marie Lubenau, AIA, joined the CDCP in 1998, and has served as its President & CEO since 2001. During her tenure the CDCP has expanded its reach within the communities, businesses. and homeowners of Pittsburgh through innovative programming and design resources. Anne-Marie’s accomplishments at the CDCP stem from her vision and leadership as an architect and project manger, as well as her ardent commitment to civic engagement.
Anne-Marie is passionate about providing access to planning and design resources to the Pittsburgh region. She actively participates in other community and civic organizations and initiatives to do so. She is the chair of the Pittsburgh Civic Design Coalition, a member of the City of Pittsburgh’s Contextual Design Advisory Panel, and a member of the Pittsburgh chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Anne-Marie is an adjunct faculty member of Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Architecture where she received her degree, and has taught classes on the built environment through the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and the University of Pittsburgh. She also has served as an educational consultant to Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation.
Her dedication to education and advocacy around issues related to good design inform pieces she has authored for publications including Planners Network and Carnegie Magazine. Anne-Marie regularly contributes to regional and national community planning forums; some of her recent presentations include the Association for Community Design, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s Housing Forum, and the International Downtown Association.
Nancy Hart - Director of Development & Operations
Nancy Hart joined the CDCP in 2007 as Director of Development and Operations. In addition to finding and negotiating a five year lease for new office space, she has introduced CDCP staff to new possible funding in the corporate and foundation arenas, as well as introduced new technical assistance contacts.
Nancy’s connections in the community and her dedication to the mission of the CDCP make her a great first point of contact for many supporters and partners of the CDCP. Her goal is to aid in facilitating growth of the CDCP as it assumes a more active leadership role in civic and community organizations and initiatives that further the cause of good design.
Her experience is extensive and encompasses a broad range of management roles including VP of Finance and Development for the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership where she managed a multi-million dollar budget, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving for the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, VP of Treasury Management for the Bank of Boston, and Assistant VP of Global Cash Management for Mellon Bank. Nancy graduated with a B.A. in Liberal Arts from the University of Pittsburgh and received her Masters Degree in Public Management from Carnegie Mellon University Heinz School.
Jen Fox - Director of Administration & Events
Jen Fox has been with the CDCP since 2000 and currently serves as the Director of Administration & Events. She oversees all events at the CDCP, including Pedal Pittsburgh, an annual fundraiser that draws more than 2,000 cyclists and raises approximately $50,000 to support CDCP programs.
Her sights are set on increasing Pedal Pittsburgh sponsorships and diversifying and increasing Pedal Pittsburgh ridership in upcoming years. Through her attention to detail and organization, Jen plans to assist in developing new sponsorship packages, new strategic partnerships, and a plan to make Pedal Pittsburgh a sustainable event. Jen is a member of Sustainable Pittsburgh’s Outdoor Amenities Team, the Urban Cycling Committee, and Highmark’s Wellness Initiative Community Committee.
Prior to joining the CDCP, Jen worked as the Administrative Manager for Princeton Executive Suites and as in the finance department of GNC throughout college. Jennifer graduated with a B.A. in Sociology with minors in Biology and Environmental Science from John Carroll University, in Cleveland.
Christina Howell - Manager of Administration & Events
Christina Howell joined the CDCP in 2007 as the Administrative and Events Coordinator and currently serves as Administrative and Events Manager. Using her communications training and event planning skills, she builds awareness for the CDCP and its role in providing good design. While working as the Coordinator, Christina implemented new office systems including phone and voicemail systems, and completed a systematic inventory and reorganization of the CDCP's archives.
Christina communicates to the constituents and friends of the CDCP in a variety of ways including, but not limited to producing the monthly E-Newsletter and annual report, managing the information on the website, and writing press releases to local news media. She strives to build stronger relationships within the media community, with the goal of increasing the exposure of the CDCP's accomplishments and events. In her expanding role, she also looks forward to working on more fundraising and graphic design projects.
Before joining the CDCP, Christina worked for Coldwell Banker, the History Center of Western Pennsylvania, and the State Museum of Pennsylvania. Christina received her B.A. from Duquesne University, and currently volunteers with Construction Junction and The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh.
Jason Vrabel - Design Fund Program Director
As Design Fund Program Director at the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh (CDCP), Jason Vrabel assists community-based and other non-profit organizations in accomplishing good planning and design by making professional resources and funding available to them. Jason attributes his success at the CDCP, which he joined in 2001, to his understanding that community design is about empowering people to make educated decisions about the built environment.
While dedicating most of his time to community-based organizations, Jason also works with architects and planners to help improve Pittsburgh area neighborhoods. To help prepare the designers of tomorrow, Jason teaches a graduate design studio in landscape architecture at Chatham University. He is a frequent presenter at regional and national conferences on topics related to community design and affordable housing. Articles by Jason have been published in New People newspaper, Columns magazine, and Pittsburgh Community Development Network.
Before joining the CDCP Jason worked in an architectural firm, as a photographer, and as a carpenter’s apprentice. He volunteered for several years with adult literacy as a certified tutor through the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council and is currently an officer of the Lawrenceville Stakeholders. He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design degree from Miami University of Ohio and studied at the Alexandria International Architecture Consortium.
Andrea Lavin - Design Fund Program Manager
Andrea Lavin joined the CDCP in 2006 and serves as Design Fund Program Manager. She coordinates the process of offering grants and technical assistance to help non-profit community-based organizations purchase and effectively use professional architectural and planning services.
Andrea appreciates being able to participate in a variety of projects throughout the City, and credits her job with introducing her to many of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods and community groups. She has learned to never leave the office without a map.
Prior to joining the CDCP, Andrea earned a Master’s degree in Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia, and a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Wake Forest University. She has worked in a local government planning office, for a planning consultant group, at a real estate law firm and in myriad bookstores & coffee shops.
Tara Merenda - RenPlan® Program Director
Tara Merenda, RenPlan® Program Director, joined the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh (CDCP) in 2003. Tara’s job is to bring good, affordable design resources to residents and business owners. The primary way she achieves this goal is through the RenPlan® program, which provides affordable consultations for property owners with architects, landscape architects, and interior designers. Due to Tara’s enthusiasm and commitment, since April 2003, 800 Pittsburgh area homeowners have been matched with design professionals to plan for quality home renovations. Tara’s ultimate goal is to make the RenPlan® program available to property owners all across the country.
Another way that Tara accomplishes making good planning and design available to all is through the Pittsburgh Design Fair. In 2007, the first annual Pittsburgh Design Fair for House and Garden—produced under Tara’s leadership—drew 1000 people.
Prior to the CDCP, she worked at the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture as the Farmer’s Market Manager. Tara graduated the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in German and Political Science and has been published in American Institute of Architects Pittsburgh’s publication Columns Magazine.
Kate McGlynn- RenPlan® Program Manager
Kate McGlynn joined the CDCP in early 2008 as the RenPlan® Program Coordinator. She facilitates consultations with design professionals, managing homeowners and their data to ensure a smooth consultation process. By representing the program at regional trade shows and community events, Kate works to educate the community about the services offered by the CDCP.
Recently promoted to RenPlan® Program Manager, Kate is looking forward to developing expanded resources for property owners. She is working to support the 2nd annual Pittsburgh Design Fair and to recruit volunteer consultants.
Most recently Kate worked at the University of New Hampshire’s Browne Center for Innovative Learning and as an independent consultant for a variety of nonprofit organizations in New England and Alaska. Kate was also employed as an adjunct faculty member within the UNH Thompson School. From the University of New Hampshire Kate received her Master’s of Arts in Leadership Skills and Individual Development as well as her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Outdoor Education.
Melissa Leiberton - Adminsitrative Coordinator
Melissa Leiberton joined the CDCP in 2007 as the Administrative Coordinator, responsible for administering the day-to-day operations of the office. In that capacity she has worked to provide support to all departments, and the Administrative and Civic Stewardship departments in particular.
Melissa enjoys working closely with the CDCP Board of Directors and providing administrative support to the Pittsburgh Civic Design Coalition. She is motivated to excel in her job by a love of Pittsburgh and an appreciation for well-design civic buildings and spaces.
Melissa previously worked with the Mattress Factory Museum and the Carnegie Borough, as well as Dollar Bank. She received her M.A in Public and Nonprofit Management and her B.A in Communication, both from the University of Pittsburgh. She also gained experience with the 2004 Presidential Campaign and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
