Edward Coleman - A Legacy of Leadership and Community Impact
Edward T. Coleman, Chief Executive Officer
Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc.
In April, Edward T. Coleman celebrated an impressive 50 years in the Pennsylvania Community Action Agency network including 45 years as Chief Executive Officer of Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC). Ed started working as part of a job training program for the Scranton-Lackawanna Human Development Agency, Inc. in 1975; eventually becoming an Assistant Director. In April of 1980, he boldly stepped into the position of founding Chief Executive Officer of the Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. His remarkable tenure at CAADC has been defined by profound success and impactful achievements over the past 45 years.
CAADC has progressed from an initial $50,000 planning grant to a $23 million annual budget. Ed was the Agency’s first employee, but now CAADC employs over 140 staff members. Services provided to Delaware County residents include three homeless shelters, rental assistance, workforce development initiatives, affordable rental housing, Veteran services, Weatherization (in 5 Counties), and many other programs and services. CAADC has provided over 5,000,000 units of service since its inception.
“Ed’s passion for the Agency and commitment to our mission are palpable. It’s contagious and makes us all want to give our best every day,” said Kendall Watts, Human Resources Manager at CAADC.
“Ed is a great leader to all in the organization. He values every employee and makes sure they are treated fairly. He has guided the Agency through many challenges of the nonprofit world and continues to focus on new opportunities to grow,” added Gina Ondo, Controller at CAADC.
“Edward Coleman has truly been the face of Community Action Agencies for the past 50 years. His unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership have shaped our Agency into one of the most respected organizations in the state of Pennsylvania. Since 1979, his dedication to our mission has been the cornerstone of our success. I wholeheartedly believe that it is because of his vision and integrity that we have not only endured but thrived in our service to the community,” said Danita Miller, Senior Direct Service Manager.
Ed also supported the Pennsylvania Community Agency network by serving as a Board Member of the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania for over two decades. In addition, he served six (6) years as President of the Board of Directors for CAAP. He has also advocated for Community Action Agencies at the local, state and federal levels many times over the years, meeting with elected officials and governmental agencies.
“Ed has been a lifelong Community Action institution! His leadership was responsible for initiating a new CAA, and his creativity and high standards grew that organization into one of the most successful CAAs in the state and possibly the Nation,” said Bob Cardamone, Former Executive Director of Community Action, Inc. “Ed’s successes include leading the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania during a very turbulent and pivotal time and re-establishing essential partnerships. Personally, for decades, Ed has been a great mentor and friend. I hope his leadership and experience will be called on to mentor and help our CAA Family.”
Ed has also served on many local community and foundation boards. He has been recognized and received awards over the years for his many achievements including from Delaware County Council, PA Director’s Association for Community Action, National Association of Social Workers, Islamic Center of Chester, American Red Cross, U.S. House of Representatives, Community Action Association of Pennsylvania, CAADC Board of Directors, Upper Darby Caring Foundation, Darby Borough and many more.
“Ed’s unquestioned leadership, dedication and vision has guided CAADC to become the dynamic organization that it is today. If he ever retires, he will leave a legacy not to be forgotten!” shared Rick Beaton, Executive Director/CEO of Montgomery County Community Action Development Commission.
“That is my boss, Edward T. Coleman. Mr. Coleman can turn a vision into reality, which is why I have been motivated and committed to this Agency for 43 years,” said Sharon Grasty, Chief Program Officer at CAADC.
Ed's commitment to community service and his dedicated contributions have not only benefited numerous individuals and organizations but have also inspired others to engage in service, making a lasting difference in the lives of those around him.
“A leader is one who sees more than others see, who sees farther than others see, and who sees before others see.”