A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the New York University School of Law, Ó Súilleabháin previously served as a research fellow at the International Peace Institute in New York. Her research there on inclusive peacemaking helped to change United Nations policy and United States law. Since returning to western New York and joining PPG, Ó Súilleabháin has led research on community policing and bail reform, coordinated the annual Community Agenda, supervised staff and volunteers, and spoken widely at community events and hearings.

“At PPG, our partners’ ideas, priorities, and commitment are the heart of what we do,” Ó Súilleabháin said. “Having worked with civil society networks and local advocates in many countries, I was surprised and inspired to discover PPG’s unique model of partnership and collective action when I moved back home. Buffalo has many dynamic and diverse community groups working for lasting change, and I am honored to lead PPG in our work alongside them.”

“We are thrilled to have Andrea take on this new role,” said board chair and co-founder Lou Jean Fleron. “She has done a marvelous job as deputy director and is now more than ready to serve as executive director.”

Sam Magavern, who has co-directed or directed PPG since its founding in 2007, will remain at PPG in a half-time position as a senior policy fellow, contributing research and writing to the organization, while devoting the rest of his time to writing poetry, fiction, and non-fiction.

“When we hired Andrea,” said Magavern, “it was with the hope that she could replace me. I couldn’t be happier with how things have worked out, knowing that our staff and board are stronger than ever and delighted that I will still be able to help PPG while also having more time for my own writing.”

PPG will celebrate this new chapter at tonight’s Shakespearean Idol fundraiser (7pm, Buffalo History Museum), at which eight local luminaries compete in performing Shakespeare passages before four all-star judges and an enthusiastic audience.  All are welcome to attend; donations may be made at the door.

PPG is a community-based think tank that provides research, advocacy, and civic engagement for 285 partner organizations in western New York. Each year its partners vote on a Community Agenda of their ten top policy priorities for the coming year, and PPG works with its partners throughout the year to bring those goals to fruition. Many Community Agenda planks have resulted in new laws, regulations, policies, and programs to improve life in Buffalo-Niagara. PPG and Cornell University co-host a digital library, the Buffalo Commons, which features hundreds of articles, reports, and resources about the region, and run a variety of programs connecting community groups with researchers and students.