The Skillman Foundation

Andrea Anderson has joined the Skillman Foundation as the director of evaluation, learning and impact. Anderson brings 25 years of experience in program evaluation, policy analysis and applied research for foundations to this role.

Prior to joining the Foundation, she served as founder and president of North Star Planning and Evaluation Consultants, working with leaders in philanthropy to develop evaluation and monitoring systems for a wide range of efforts spanning community building, workforce development, policy advocacy and retirement security. Anderson has also held research positions at Abt Associates, The Aspen Institute Roundtable on Community Change, and the Pratt Center for Community Development where she worked with a variety of nongovernmental organizations, foundations, and civic leadership groups.

“Andrea brings an incredible mix of experiences and insights to the Foundation that will be essential to measuring our Opportunity Agenda for Detroit Children and growing the impact of our partners,” said Tonya Allen, president & CEO of the Skillman Foundation. “Importantly, she has expertise in structuring evaluations that lift up lessons to advance equity. This is critical to the Skillman Foundation’s work to prepare and position Detroit children as leaders in the city’s resurgence.”

In her new role, Anderson will work collaboratively with Foundation staff to design and implement the organization’s data, evaluation, and internal performance monitoring. She will also help facilitate learning within the Foundation as well as externally across the social sector and Detroit community.

Anderson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, a Master’s Degree in Family and Community Planning from the University of Maryland at College Park, and a Doctorate degree in Evaluation and Planning from Cornell University.

Anderson fills the position formerly held by Marie Colombo, who now serves as the Foundation’s senior director, Office of the President.