Byerschool Foundation Staff


Laurada Byers
Laurada Byers is the President and CEO of the Byerschool Foundation. She opened the Russell Byers Charter School (RBCS) in 2001 with her children, Alison Byers and Russell Byers, Jr. The school is a tribute to her late husband, a well-known Philadelphia Daily News columnist who was murdered during a 1999 robbery attempt. Russell was a persuasive advocate for improving the quality of public education in Philadelphia.

Laurada's involvement in the Philadelphia community, both in the non-profit and business sectors, has been both active and varied. Since 1971, she has been a board member of International House Philadelphia, a non-profit organization that encourages cross-cultural understanding and assists hundreds of students with their adjustment to American society and life in Philadelphia. As chairman of International House's board in the early 1990s, Laurada was a pivotal influence in founding the Festival of World Cinema, which later became the Philadelphia Film Festival.

Supporting women's issues has also been a priority for Laurada. For the past 30 years she has served in numerous leadership positions at Women's Way, whose women-centered funding, advocacy, and education help sustain more than 30 different social agencies in the region. She co-founded the 56% League, an organization that advances women's political issues in the city. Laurada is also a member of the Women's Financial Services Network Advisory Board for PNC Wealth Management, serving the Philadelphia region.

Laurada has won numerous awards for her community service including: Philadelphia Business Journal's "Women of Distinction Award" in 2007; Philadelphia magazine's "Volunteer of the Year" award in 2004; the National Organization of Fundraising Executives' "Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year" in 1992; the Kent School's first-ever "Reverend Frederick H. Sill, O.H.C. Society Award" in 2006; and the "Take the Lead" award from the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Pennsylvania in 2006, given to women who have demonstrated exemplary achievement in their profession or field. In 2009, Laurada was honored to receive a Doctorate of Humane Letters from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

In 1992, Laurada founded Warthog Productions, which creates products that use humor and compassion to educate and enrich peoples' lives. Her most recent publication, Book of Blessings – 52 Graces From Around the World, is co-authored by Joe Torsella and features blessings from various religions and ethnicities worldwide.

Prior to starting Warthog Productions, Laurada was vice president of Diversified Search, Inc., the largest Philadelphia-based executive search firm; director of marketing at the University City Science Center; and director of sales and marketing for Rittenhouse Towers (now the Rittenhouse Hotel). A licensed real estate broker from 1976-1986, Laurada earned her MBA from Temple University in 1990.

Laurada lives in Center City, Philadelphia, and has two children and three grandchildren, all of whom live in New York.

Vanessa Gelbaugh is Operations Manager and Executive Assistant to Laurada Byers. She received her B.A. from Bloomsburg University. Before joining the Byerschool Foundation in 2006, she worked as an Executive Assistant and Office Manager for a financial institution. E-mail Vanessa or call (215) 772-3053.