Yvonne Cook
About Yvonne Cook
Yvonne Cook serves as the President of the Highmark Foundation and Vice President for Community Affairs, with over 21 years of experience in these roles. She co-founded the August Wilson Center for African American Culture and actively engages in discussions on leadership, philanthropy, and health equity.
Work at Highmark
Yvonne Cook has held the position of President of the Highmark Foundation and Vice President for Community Affairs since 2003. In this role, she has been instrumental in overseeing philanthropic initiatives and community engagement efforts in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. Cook has led significant projects, including a $100 million, five-year children's health promotion initiative, which reflects her commitment to improving health outcomes for children. Her leadership at Highmark Foundation emphasizes the importance of health equity and community support.
Background
Yvonne Cook has extensive experience in community affairs and philanthropy. Before her tenure at Highmark, she worked at BNY Mellon for 18 years in various roles, including Banking Officer and Cash Management Marketing Representative. She also served as an Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive at Allegheny County from 2000 to 2003. Her career includes a position as Program Officer at The Pittsburgh Foundation from 1994 to 1999. Cook's diverse background has equipped her with a broad understanding of community needs and organizational operations.
Education and Expertise
Yvonne Cook holds a Master's degree in Public Management from Carnegie Mellon University. She also earned a Bachelor's degree with a concentration in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. Her educational background provides her with a solid foundation in public policy and management, which she applies in her leadership roles. Cook frequently speaks on topics related to leadership, philanthropy, and health equity, showcasing her expertise in these areas.
Achievements
Yvonne Cook co-founded the August Wilson Center for African American Culture, a $42 million development project, and served as its treasurer for over a decade. She has also contributed to significant fundraising efforts, such as co-chairing the Girl Scouts Western PA Awards of Distinction Luncheon in 2018, which raised over $150,000. Additionally, she has served on the Board of Directors for Women for a Healthy Environment and the ATS-Chester Engineers Board, focusing on water and wastewater management solutions.