Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, August 17, 2025 — The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI), an organization committed to strengthening companies, institutions, and communities by cultivating leadership, is proud to announce the honorees that will be recognized on October 1, 2025 at “A Night of Celebration”– the evening reception that will kick off the inaugural leadership development conference entitled, “Keeping It R.E.A.L. – Elevating Leaders Through Resilience, Excellence, Agility and Leadership”. During this unforgettable occasion, leaders and changemakers will be brought together for powerful networking, meaningful connections, and a joyful celebration of leadership, excellence and shared purpose.
Aligned with the theme of the signature event, TALI will present three individuals who have been instrumental to forming the foundation of the organization since its inception with the first-ever TALI Legacy Impact Award, a recognition that celebrates bold and visionary leadership and community impact. Additionally, TALI Mentors — individuals who have volunteered their time and talent to mentor Executive Leadership Academy, National Executive Leadership Academy, and Emerging Leaders Program participants — will be celebrated for their invaluable support in helping TALI continue to uphold its pillar of mentorship.
The TALI Legacy Impact Awardees are as follows:
Marsha Jones – Retired Chief Diversity Officer, PNC Financial Services Group, and Chair Emeritus of The Advanced Leadership Institute
Jerry MacCleary — Strategic Advisor of Knowde, Former Chairman and President of Covestro, and Former Co-Chair of The Advanced Leadership Institute
Greg Spencer –Managing Director, Spencer MacCleary & Associates, and Founding Co-Chair of The Advanced Leadership Institute
“We are incredibly thankful for Marsha, Jerry, and Greg for their invaluable leadership, guidance, and ongoing commitment to helping TALI thrive,” says Evan Frazier, President and CEO, The Advanced Leadership Institute. “These three pioneers have been instrumental in helping TALI build its foundation and shape its mission and organizational impact over the years. In addition to these impressive leaders, we are also deeply grateful for our program mentors and their significant contributions. The TALI Legacy Impact Awardees and TALI Mentors demonstrate our values and make our community special.”
To register for A Night of Celebration, visit here.
For more information about the reception and entire conference occurring on October 2nd, click here. For questions about event sponsorship, contact TALI’s VP of Development and Corporate Partnerships, Joyce Howard (joyce@taliinstitute.org).
About The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI)
The mission of The Advanced Leadership Institute is to strengthen companies, institutions, and communities by cultivating leadership through world-class executive education programs tailored to support, develop, and retain Black leaders and their allies. TALI equips participants with the strategies, insights, and networks needed to thrive. Our programs are open to people of all ethnic and racial backgrounds. Course content for TALI programs is delivered through an academic partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, and programming is made possible through the support of major corporations and foundations in the Pittsburgh region, including Lead Founding Underwriters: BNY Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Richard King Mellon Foundation; Founding Underwriter: Highmark Foundation and Eden Hall Foundation; Excellence Partner: Henry L. Hillman Foundation; Lead Contributors: Giant Eagle Foundation and The Heinz Endowments; Presenting Sponsors: Giant Eagle, Highmark Health, PNC, UPMC; Gold Sponsors: American Eagle Outfitters, Buchanan, CNX, Covestro, Dollar Bank, Duolingo, Duquesne Light Company, FedEx Corporation, Koppers, PPG, and Wabtec; Silver Sponsors and Bronze sponsors, which can be found here.