After 10 years on the job as the PNA’s second-ever Executive Director, Lee Harper announced earlier this year that she had decided to move on to new challenges, which set off a 6-month search for a new ED.
Over 100 applicants were whittled down to 11 finalists. Though all 11 candidates interviewed in person were highly qualified, three exceptional finalists emerged. The full Board interviewed each finalist at a special Board meeting on October 29. Following deliberations, the Board chose Dar’Nesha Weary for the position. Dar’Nesha will begin at the PNA on December 2.
Dar’Nesha is a Seattle native who comes to us after over twenty years of experience in the nonprofit sector, where her mission has been to serve others, build community, and make a positive impact by challenging racism, promoting acceptance of people from different backgrounds, raising awareness, and using her voice to address hate and to promote kindness.
She began her career right here in the neighborhood as a Program Director at the Greenwood Boys and Girls Club. For the latter part of her career, she has risen in the ranks of the YMCA of Greater Seattle, beginning as the Dale Turner Branch Membership Engagement Director and ending in the corporate office as the Program Executive of Membership, overseeing membership engagement operations of 14 branches.
In her spare time, Dar’Nesha is the director of the award-winning Northside Step Team, which recently worked with the artist LIZZO(!) on a sisterhood project, and is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (one of 9 Historically Black Greek Organizations). She is exceedingly active with community engagement and education around diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the greater Seattle area. Dar’Nesha has a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Counseling from Capella University.
