The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI), an organization committed to preparing Black professionals for executive advancement, is pleased to announce the addition of Kevin E. Walker and Bill Flanagan to its Board of Directors. The addition of Mr. Walker and Mr. Flanagan will help TALI continue to advance its mission and add strength to an already powerful board.
TALI’s Board members play a critical role in driving the organization’s strategic vision. As long-term supporters of the Institute, Mr. Walker and Mr. Flanagan have demonstrated commitment to TALI and bring unique expertise to the Board of Directors:
- Kevin E. Walker — President and Chief Executive Officer of Duquesne Light Holdings (DLH)- With more than 30 years of experience in the utility industry, Mr. Walker is playing a leading role in the Pittsburgh region’s clean energy transition. DLH, which includes Duquesne Light Company (DLC), DQE Communications and The Efficiency Network, is modernizing energy infrastructure in the region and developing the workforce of the future in service of customers and the community. Prior to becoming the first Black man and person of color to lead DLH, Mr. Walker was chief operating officer for DLC and previously served as senior vice president of Customer and Operations Service and Nuclear Decommissioning at Southern California Edison. He also is a proud U.S. Army Veteran and graduate of The United States Military Academy and a graduate of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
- Bill Flanagan — Experienced Broadcast Journalist and Special Advisor to the Allegheny Conference on Community Development- Flanagan is widely recognized for his collaborative work across the Pittsburgh region. An experienced reporter, producer and program host for KDKA-TV and WPXI-TV, he serves as host and producer of WPXI’s “Our Region’s Business”, a weekly business public affairs program produced in partnership with the Allegheny Conference. Prior to his current role as Special Advisor to the conference, he served as Chief Corporate Relations Officer and, in 2009, as president of The Pittsburgh G-20 Partnership. Mr. Flanagan is a member of the board of Rivers of Steel and recently completed multiple terms as a board member of Leadership Pittsburgh, Inc.
Mr. Walker has served on TALI’s Corporate CEO Council since 2021 and his company has sponsored the participation of numerous DLC employees in TALI over the years. “As TALI progresses on its vision through national expansion, I couldn’t have joined at a better time,” states Walker. “TALI models a new standard for a more diverse, thriving workforce, from the C-Suite to the boardroom. Their progress in empowering the next wave of Black leaders shows how we can all work together to support emerging and executive-level Black professionals as they achieve their highest potential. A brighter future is ahead of us, and I’m privileged to be a contributor in this pioneering work.”
A long-time champion of diverse civic leadership, Mr. Flanagan believes TALI can play a critical role in the Pittsburgh region. “TALI serves our region’s communities, employers, and high potential Black talent by fostering the growth of strong, diverse corporate cultures. As an early friend of the Institute, and now a board member, I’m committed to its mission to cultivate Black executive leadership,” says Mr. Flanagan. “The TALI model goes beyond leadership skills to provide mentorship, sponsorship, and career-long support to open doors and improve corporate performance.”
TALI President and CEO Evan Frazier is proud to have dynamic leaders like Mr. Walker and Mr. Flanagan on the TALI Board. “In addition to being incredibly talented and influential, Kevin Walker and Bill Flanagan have already demonstrated a true commitment to TALI and our mission,” says Mr. Frazier. “TALI is very fortunate to have an incredible 11-member Board of Directors. As we continue to grow, I am confident that our board members will help TALI broaden its impact and reach.”
“I am continuously inspired by TALI and the great strides it has made over the past several years,” says Lara Washington, TALI Board Chair; President and CEO, Allegheny Housing Rehabilitation Corporation (AHRCO). “With the addition of Bill Flanagan and Kevin Walker to the Board of Directors, I am excited to find ways to help guide TALI and its board into the future.”
To view the full list of the TALI Board of Directors visit here.
About The Advanced Leadership Initiative (TALI)
The mission of The Advanced Leadership Institute is to cultivate Black executive leadership to strengthen companies, institutions, and communities. It is facilitated through an educational partnership with Carnegie Mellon University and is supported by major corporations and foundations in the Pittsburgh region, including Founding Underwriters: BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Highmark Foundation, and Richard King Mellon Foundation; Excellence Partners: Henry L. Hillman Foundation and Highmark; Lead Contributors: BNY Mellon, Eden Hall Foundation, and The Heinz Endowments. Presenting Sponsors: FHLBank Pittsburgh, Giant Eagle, Highmark Health, PNC, and UPMC. Gold Sponsors: American Eagle Outfitters, Bank of America, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, The Buhl Foundation, CNX, Covestro, Duquesne Light Company, Dollar Bank, Erie Insurance, Koppers, The Pittsburgh Foundation, Pittsburgh Penguins, PPG, and Wabtec Corporation; Silver Sponsors: Highmark Wholecare, Northwestern Mutual, and Pittsburgh Legal Diversity and Inclusion Coalition; and Bronze Sponsors, which can be found here.