Former mayor of Tampa selected to lead Big Brothers Big Sisters

Pierson moved into the national leadership role in June 2012, after serving nearly a decade as president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star. After a distinguished and decorated career with the organization, he made the decision for personal reasons.

“I am extremely honored to have had the opportunity to spend more than ten years serving Big Brothers Big Sisters as both a local and national leader and a Big Brother to three ‘Littles,'” Pierson said. “As the leader of one of the nation’s most prominent youth-serving organizations, stepping down to make room for someone who can make the position his or her primary priority is the right thing to do.”

The board has named former Tampa, Fl. Mayor Pam Iorio as Pierson’s successor. Iorio served as mayor of Tampa, Florida, the nation’s 54^th largest city, for two terms from 2003 – 2011 and left office in 2011 with an 87 percent approval rating. Iorio is widely praised for her track record — working with diverse communities and leaders, revitalizing downtown Tampa, improving neighborhoods, reducing crime and bringing fiscal soundness to her city. She is also a nationally recognized speaker on leadership.

Iorio has a proven commitment to mentoring. As part of her Mayor’s Mentoring Program, she partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and offered employees paid time off to mentor kids.

“I believe in the important mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters and appreciate this opportunity to serve,” Iorio said. “The organization has benefitted significantly from Charles Pierson’s leadership and I look forward to a smooth transition.”

Iorio begins in her new role on March 31.