Andrew Wade Appointed Vice President for Strategy and Communication

Newly Created Department will be Key in Integrating Strategic Initiatives

Andrew Wade has been named Vice President for Strategy and Communication at Metropolitan Family Services. Wade previously served as Director of Government Affairs for the agency.

“We are excited to have Andy lead the new department of Strategy and Communication at Metropolitan,” said President and CEO Ric Estrada. “It will bring the communications function into closer alignment with key strategic initiatives and our government affairs work, which Andy has led since he joined Metropolitan in 2011. He is a committed team player who enjoys collaborating with different groups and is always willing to roll up his sleeves to move things forward.”

Wade has more than 20 years’ experience in organizational and campaign leadership, advocacy, fundraising, external relations and strategic communications. He also has a proven ability to forge networks among diverse stakeholders.

Prior to coming to Metropolitan Family Services, Wade led his own consultancy practice. He also previously served as Executive Director of Chicago Education Network, Executive Director of Chicago School Leadership Cooperative, Illinois Early Learning Campaign Manager for Ounce of Prevention and Consultant at Gagen MacDonald, LLC.

Wade holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in History from Macalester College and has pursued doctoral studies in Education Policy and Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago.