The region’s LGBT chamber of commerce introduced its inaugural executive director to its members and supporters this week.
Independence Business Alliance announced Tuesday it has named Zachary Wilcha its first executive director.
Wilcha’s career has included work in the legal, advocacy and fundraising sectors. He clerked with the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and served as a project attorney in a local firm before becoming relationship manager at Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia. In that position, he focused on fundraising and development
He holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from St. Joseph’s University and earned his law degree from Villanova University.
“We had an extensive process that followed the best practices and, in the end, garnered an excellent executive director,” IBA board member Samantha Giusti said about the hiring process. The search committee that oversaw the effort was comprised of IBA members and board members, who formulated the job description, interviewed candidates and made a final recommendation to the IBA board.
Wilcha said he is eager to lend his talents to the organization.
“The IBA has already made powerful progress in the economic advancements and opportunities for the LGBT business community of greater Philadelphia,” he said. “As the IBA’s first executive director, I’m excited to continue to help create even more success stories on every level for our members of the LGBT community and our visible allies.”