Minneapolis, MN — PPL is proud to announce that Elisa Pluhar has joined the team as its Associate Vice President of Advancement, bringing extensive expertise in philanthropy to support and strengthen the department’s leadership. Pluhar brings more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, strategic communications, and community engagement, with a proven record of building transformative partnerships and driving impact for mission-driven organizations.
“Elisa’s depth of experience and her passion for equity make her an incredible addition to our leadership team,” said Lauren Beecham-Henry, PPL’s Chief Philanthropy & External Affairs Officer. “Her ability to connect stories to systemic change will help us strengthen partnerships and expand opportunities for the communities we serve.”
Most recently serving as Chief Innovation & Strategy Officer at Neighborhood Development Center, Pluhar led organization-wide initiatives, secured multi-million-dollar investments, and elevated strategic communications to strengthen community-centered economic opportunities. Her leadership combines data-driven strategies with compelling storytelling to advance racial, economic, and gender equity.
Pluhar’s career also includes significant roles at Public Radio International, where she led individual giving and donor engagement strategies, and at YouthLink and YWCA St. Paul, where she advanced community relations and fundraising efforts to support youth and families. These experiences underscore her commitment to amplifying voices and creating pathways for opportunity.
At PPL, Pluhar will oversee advancement strategies that fuel the organization’s mission: creating housing stability and career pathways for individuals and families with lower incomes.
“I’m honored to join PPL and contribute to work that transforms lives,” said Pluhar. “I believe in the power of storytelling and strategic partnerships to create lasting impact, and I’m excited to help advance PPL’s vision for equity and opportunity.”
Pluhar holds a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management from Hamline University and a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication and Theatre Arts from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls.