ABC Strath Haven names Gabriella Fontan interim executive director

A Better Chance Strath Haven has appointed attorney and ABC alumna Gabriella Fontan as interim executive director, tapping a former Scholar to help lead fundraising, partnerships and student support. The move comes as the nonprofit marks a post-50th-anniversary push to strengthen its program and long-term sustainability.

Why it matters: - ABC Strath Haven is putting a former Scholar in charge during a period focused on fundraising, partnerships and program stability. - Fontan’s appointment connects the organization’s leadership directly to the experience of the students it serves. - The role is tied to long-term sustainability for a residential program that supports academically talented students of color.

What happened: - ABC Strath Haven announced July 30, 2026, that Gabriella Fontan will serve as interim executive director. - Fontan is an attorney, nonprofit leader and alumna of the A Better Chance Radnor program. - Jason Thompson, chair of the board of directors, said Fontan brings legal and nonprofit leadership experience, strategic insight and a commitment to educational equity. - Fontan said serving ABC Strath Haven is an honor and that she looks forward to working with the board, families, volunteers, alumni and supporters.

The details: - Fontan will work with the board of directors, staff, volunteers, host families, alumni, donors and community partners. - Her focus will include strengthening partnerships, advancing fundraising and resource development, supporting Scholars and families, and enhancing organizational capacity. - ABC Strath Haven said Fontan’s background includes organizational leadership, governance, strategic planning, community engagement and mission-driven management. - Fontan earned a Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, a Master of Public Administration from Widener University and a Bachelor of Arts from Temple University. - ABC Strath Haven is part of the national A Better Chance network. - The organization says the network has helped thousands of academically talented students of color gain access to educational opportunities across the country. - Through its residential program and community partnerships, ABC Strath Haven prepares Scholars for college, leadership and life. - The group celebrated its 50th anniversary in November 2025 with a gala that raised funds for future sustainability. - The organization’s Facebook page is here.

Between the lines: - Naming an alumna to lead may help ABC Strath Haven reinforce trust with donors, volunteers and families. - Fontan’s legal and public-service background suggests the board is prioritizing governance and operational discipline alongside mission delivery. - The 50th-anniversary fundraising push appears to have set up this next phase of growth and stabilization.

What’s next: - Fontan is expected to focus on partnership building, fundraising and support for Scholars while the board steers the organization toward long-term sustainability. - ABC Strath Haven says it aims to continue expanding opportunity and strengthening its foundation for future Scholars.

The bottom line: - ABC Strath Haven is betting that mission experience and management expertise can help carry the program into its next phase.