Married couple brings leadership talent to Philadelphia

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia has just completed a successful fundraising campaign, but may have pocketed something even greater: the addition of not one, but two chief executive officers.

The husband-and-wife team of Joseph and Lisabeth Marziello will take over for interim president and CEO Al Mollica.

The Marziellos are no stranger to the clubs. The pair also served as co-CEOs to Boys & Girls Clubs in Portland, Green Bay and Utica in New York.

“The board is looking to the Marziellos to build on the success of its first ever comprehensive fundraising campaign and take the organization to the next level,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia Executive Board of Directors Chairman Michael Colavita. “They bring a proven track record of leadership and transformation to the Boys & Girls Clubs where they serve.”

The Marziellos are credited with boosting membership and the Clubs’ bottom line in all of their previous stops. While in Portland, they increased organizational assets and raised more than $10.5 million in capital giving. The pair also secured a $6 million scholarship fund for low-income students, while expanding Portland’s club locations.

“Joseph and I are excited to join Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia and are looking forward to ensuring the organization remains the premiere place for kids in the city,” Lisabeth Marziello said. “We will use our combined talents and expertise to continue growing the organization and further improve the outcomes for the children we serve.”

The Marziellos will have plenty of coin to work with. The organization’s fundraising campaign — “Be Great, Philadelphia! — has raised more than $7 million in the two years since its founding; those funds far exceeding internal estimates of bringing in $6 million over three years. That fund received a $3 million kick-start pledge from the late businessman and philanthropist John C. Haas, who upon his death, made an additional $1 million bequest to the clubs. The clubs have also partnered with the Shane Victorino Foundation and others to help with their grassroots and fundraising initiatives.

“We cannot thank our supporters enough for their generous contributions to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia,” said Tom Hofmann, campaign chairman. “These dollars will have a direct impact on inner-city kids and will help us better serve children from pre-school through high school, especially teens as they face one of the most challenging times of their lives.”

Contact staff writer Damon C. Williams at (215) 893-5745 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .