Branden Ballard

  • Director, Gismondi Neighborhood Education Program

Branden serves as the Director of the Gismondi Neighborhood Education Program, a collection of education programs and services provided to elementary-aged students in certain Pittsburgh neighborhoods where Pitt has made a long-term commitment to community engagement. In this role, Branden is responsible for the education initiatives being delivered within the Community Engagement Centers, training faculty, staff, and students who will be engaging with community entities, and assisting in programmatic efforts within the ECA office. Branden joined the Engagement and Community Affairs team in 2022 as the Associate Director of Training and Programs.

Branden is a proud alum of the University, earning a Bachelor of Art degree in Social Sciences while representing Pitt as a scholar-athlete. He earned his Master of Art degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree from the School of Education at the University.

As a passionate developer of youth and young adults, and strong builder of community, Branden previously served at other institutions of Higher Education, in the P-12 school system, and with various non-profit organization in his 16 year  professional career.