Playworks is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to the national Board of Directors.
“I am thrilled to welcome our new board members,” said CEO Elizabeth Cushing. “The unique perspectives and leadership they bring will be vital to Playworks as we continue working to ensure that every child experiences safe and healthy play every day.”
In addition to the new members comes the announcement that former Playworks coach and current board member Pooja Shah has been named as the new Board Chair. Read Pooja’s full bio here
Playworks extends a special thanks to Dick Daniels who is stepping down as chair but continuing to serve on the board, and outgoing board member LaTida Smith for her service to the organization.
The following individuals joined the Playworks Board in May 2022:
Brandon M. Belford, VP, Chief of Staff to the CEO, Lyft
Brandon is an operations, public policy, and finance professional with experience in management and implementation roles in both the private and public sector. He holds an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a BS in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Brandon was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, is an avid sports fan, fitness enthusiast, and traveler.
Etienne Fang, Principal Research Strategist, Amazon
Etienne Fang is a human-centered leader with expertise in research, strategy, and design, and experience working globally in technology, CPG, consulting, and education. She started her career as a special education teacher in New York City public school schools. With a focus on customer growth through Inclusive Research, Etienne develops strategic insights through foundational, future-forward insights initiatives. Currently, she is Principal Research Strategist at Amazon, guiding diversity, equity, and inclusion research initiatives. She is the founder of Redefining Having it All, a global platform with the mission to understand and support female empowerment and ambition around the world.
Ohemaa Nyanin, Assistant General Manager, NY Liberty (WNBA)
Ohemaa Nyanin is the Assistant General Manager of the New York Liberty, one of the three remaining original franchises in the WNBA. She has worked internationally with multiple organizations including, Ashoka: Innovators for the Public. In her last role as a Senior Intraprenuer, she pioneered the search and development of the inaugural group of Changemaker schools in seven African countries. Ohemaa was the Women’s National Team Assistant Director with USA Basketball, where she provided strategic leadership to the 2016 Olympic Gold Medal Women’s National Team and the 2018 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Women’s World Cup Gold Medal Team. In addition to her role within the New York Liberty, Ohemaa currently serves as a Technical Delegate for international basketball competitions for FIBA. Ohemaa graduated from the American University with a double bachelor’s degree in Foreign Language and Communications Media and International Relations. While at American University, she also earned a master’s of science in Justice and Public Policy.
View the full list of current Board of Directors here
