Darla Poole will become CEO of Auberle on July 1. (Darla Poole/Contributed)

By Riley Dunn, Pittsburgh Business Times

On Tuesday, Auberle, a faith-based human services agency, announced that Darla Poole will become its new chief executive officer, effective July 1. 

Poole will succeed longtime CEO John Lydon as part of a multi-year, agency-wide succession planning process. The leadership transition will also see Lydon become director of strategic projects and CEO emeritus, while current Director of Young Adult Services Aimee Plowman will succeed Poole as the new chief operating officer. 

“It is an incredible honor to lead Auberle into its next chapter,” Poole said in a statement. “Our mission to build strong individuals, families, and communities is at the heart of everything we do. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and look forward to collaborating with our dedicated staff and partners to continue changing lives for generations.”

Over the past two decades, the Catholic agency has grown significantly, in part by expanding services, launching innovative programs and investing in staff advancement. According to a press release from the agency, Poole has played a role in nearly every major program and has led system-changing efforts in the areas of family preservation, housing and community services. 

In addition to Poole’s leadership, Plowman has also made significant contributions to Auberle. 

One of the most impactful of these contributions was her role in the development of the 412 Youth Zone, a model dedicated to supporting young adults between the ages of 16 and 23 who are aging out of foster care or facing unstable housing situations. 

Plowman also later assumed oversight of Ward Home programming and led its rejuvenation efforts. The Ward Home’s Supervised Independent Living Program helps to provide young adults aged 16-20 in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems with both apartment housing and around-the-clock support. The program also seeks to teach youths the responsibility of independence. 

“I am excited to support Darla and our team as we deepen our impact across Pennsylvania,” Plowman said in a release. “The passion and expertise of Auberle’s staff inspire me every day, and together we will continue to find innovative solutions to our region’s most pressing challenges.” 

Also involved in Ward Home operations was Auberle’s longtime leader Lydon. The outgoing CEO has been a part of Auberle for over 40 years, having spent more than 20 years on Auberle’s boards before taking the reins as CEO in 2004. 

Under his leadership, the organization saw significant expansions and was able to serve more than 5,000 people in 2024 alone, which was a new record across multiple sites and programs. He also guided the agency through many pivotal moments, including through the rapid expansion of emergency housing programs during the pandemic years. 

“It has been the privilege of my career to lead Auberle and work alongside such talented colleagues,” Lydon said in a release. “I have been involved in Auberle for over 40 years, and I have never been more confident of our future than I am with our current leadership team under Darla’s direction.”

Riley Dunn is a student at the University of Iowa and one of 10 Pittsburgh Media Partnership summer interns.