Leadership

About Colleen Duran, MPA, CVA

Colleen Duran, MPA, CVA, assumed the role of Executive Director at the Delaware County Literacy Council (DCLC) in the summer of 2023, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to literacy and education.

A native of Pittsburgh, Colleen began her career in education, teaching elementary school. Her journey into the realm of adult education commenced with a year of service as a literacy tutor with AmeriCorps, a pivotal moment that steered her towards a prolonged period managing programs at Literacy Pittsburgh. This dedication to literacy deepened during her two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Republic of Moldova, an experience she describes as “one of the best things I’ve ever done.”

Colleen’s career path further evolved within nonprofit organizations, where she honed her skills in strategic leadership, program management, and volunteer engagement. In 2018, she achieved Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) status and culminated her academic pursuits with an Executive Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Rutgers University in Camden, New Jersey, in 2021.

Most recently, Colleen served as the Chief Operating Officer & Director of Education at Association Headquarters, specializing in aiding nonprofit organizations to achieve their mission and advance their causes. Her extensive background in service and volunteerism positions her as a valuable leader, dedicated to empowering and respecting adult learners.

In her own words, “I’m excited to be at DCLC. Having started my career in adult education 20 years ago, coming to DCLC feels like coming home.”

DCLC, a pivotal force in adult education for over 40 years, welcomed Colleen Duran as its Executive Director at the commencement of the 2023-2024 program year, following the retirement of Patrick Gunnin. Colleen’s blend of expertise in education, volunteerism, and nonprofit management makes her a perfect fit to continue DCLC’s mission of creating a community of lifelong learners.