With tremendous gratitude for his service, I announce the retirement of Frank Cervone, Bob & Penny Fox Executive Director, effective June 30, 2023. Frank has served at Support Center for Child Advocates for more than 33 years and has served as its Executive Director since 1992. During his tenure, the organization has experienced transformational growth and unwavering commitment to its mission: to advocate for victims of child abuse and neglect with the goal of securing safety, justice, well-being and a permanent, nurturing environment for every child.
The Board of Directors has convened a Succession Planning Committee and named The Moran Company to lead the search for the next Bob & Penny Fox Executive Director. Following Frank’s departure, Lisa Rayford Barrimond, Esquire, the Managing Attorney for the Agency, will take on the role of interim executive director during the search. The Board has full confidence in Lisa to shepherd the Agency through the next few months as we conduct a national search, and we appreciate Frank’s support to ensure a smooth transition.
Through his tireless policy, advocacy, and fundraising work, Frank leaves the organization with an endowment for the future to assure the continued success of the Agency. The Agency’s mission will continue with the dedicated support of the staff and leadership as we move forward.
When Frank assumed the role of Executive Director in 1992, Child Advocates had an operating budget of under $500,000 and served approximately 400 children annually. Today, the organization has an operating budget of $5.1 million, an endowment of $7 million, and serves more than 1,000 children and youth annually. Most recently, Frank’s leadership was recognized with a $1.5M gift to our endowment.
Frank has been a local and national leader in advancing policy and practice for children and families for decades. He has been a driving force helping to shape policy related to juvenile court procedural rules. Frank leaves a legacy unmatched in the Philadelphia Child Welfare System.
Looking ahead, the Agency will continue to serve the city’s most vulnerable children with its talented and dedicated social work and legal team, and hundreds of volunteer attorneys. Child Advocates is poised to remain the largest and most successful pro bono legal services program for children in the nation well into the future.
We are grateful to Frank for his leadership and dedication to advancing the mission of Child Advocates. We will honor Frank and his many contributions to Child Advocates at a future date.