"I am honored and thrilled to join Forward Cities, an organization that has been a leader in fostering equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems."
Diamonte Walker, Incoming CEO
DURHAM, NC — Forward Cities, a national nonprofit dedicated to fostering equitable opportunities for every entrepreneur, is excited to announce Dr. Diamonte Walker as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2025. Dr. Walker succeeds Fay Horwitt, who has led the organization since 2019 and will transition to the role of Chief Program Officer. In this role, Horwitt will continue to lead Forward Cities' programmatic work, overseeing the development and execution of initiatives that drive equitable economic development in communities across the country.
With a proven track record of scaling nonprofit organizations, Dr. Walker brings a deep commitment to entrepreneurial excellence, making her uniquely suited to lead Forward Cities into its next phase of growth and impact. Most recently, Dr. Walker served as the inaugural CEO of Pittsburgh Scholar House (PSH), an organization dedicated to empowering single-parent families to pursue higher education as a path to economic mobility.
Diamonte Walker, incoming Chief Executive Officer
As Deputy Executive Director at the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) of Pittsburgh, she led initiatives that advanced affordable housing and economic development opportunities, having shaped a new strategic vision centered on community. She also expanded URA’s MBWE program and forged key partnerships with corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies to advance equitable economic development. Notably, in 2018, she played a pivotal role in helping Forward Cities establish its presence in Pittsburgh, building strong partnerships that have continued to thrive.
"I am honored and thrilled to join Forward Cities, an organization that has been a leader in fostering equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems," said Dr. Walker. "As someone who has spent my career working at the intersection of economic parity and community development, I am excited to build on Forward Cities' incredible impact and deepen our focus on creating pathways for underestimated entrepreneurs across the country. Forward Cities' mission resonates deeply with my own values, and I look forward to working alongside our talented staff, partners, and board to drive lasting change and expand our reach."
At a critical moment of Forward Cities’ growth, Dr. Walker’s wealth of experience in scaling impactful organizations and deep-rooted passion for entrepreneurial excellence and inclusive economic development will propel the organization forward. As Forward Cities continues to expand its national presence, Dr. Walker will lead with a focus on cultivating innovative solutions to support entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.
"The board of directors and I are confident that Dr. Walker is the ideal leader to guide Forward Cities into the future," said Pete Carlson, Forward Cities Chairman of the Board. "Her strategic vision, experience in nonprofit scaling, and unwavering commitment to entrepreneurial excellence align perfectly with our mission. We are excited for the future of Forward Cities under her leadership."
Dr. Walker will assume her role as CEO on April 1, 2025, and is eager to continue building partnerships to expand Forward Cities' impact across the country.