Team

Executive Assistant: clara.boyum@ppl-inc.org

Paul Williams, President and CEO, is deeply rooted in our community. Raised in the heart of Saint Paul, his strong connection to the Twin Cities region, its neighborhoods and its people, fuels his work. PPL’s fourth executive director in its history, he managed all city operations as Deputy Mayor of his native city before joining PPL in April 2014.

Paul has spent his career creating partnerships and building community. While spearheading community development locally and directing operations in 30 cities nationwide for Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), he developed an unparalleled understanding of the opportunities and challenges around affordable housing and community development. With compassion and a sense of what works, Paul has served as a grantmaker for The Minneapolis Foundation, The Saint Paul Foundation and the United Way of the St. Paul Area. He has also contributed to the leadership of a wide range of community boards. His spirit of collaboration, connection to our communities and commitment to amplifying PPL’s impact energize our work.

Executive Assistant: clara.boyum@ppl-inc.org

Scott Cordes joined PPL in March 2017. Most recently the Director of Budget & Innovation at the City of Saint Paul, Scott was a leader in the city’s finance function for 12 years, including serving as Mayor Coleman’s Budget Director for 7 years. Under his direction of the Saint Paul Innovation Team, Saint Paul became a nationally-recognized leader in change management and service transformation for government programs. Scott’s significant strategic finance skills are complemented by deep experience in multi-year financial planning, true-cost analysis, capital/facilities planning, and a strong background in information technology and human resources. Scott has a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University and a master’s degree in Public Policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.

Executive Assistant: Danielle.Gharineh@ppl-inc.org

Andriana is an executive leader in the non-profit and philanthropic sectors with over 25 years of experience in advancing public-private partnerships, supporting capital investment strategies, and enhancing organizational change, leadership development and creative problem solving for complex issues.  This includes recently serving as a senior advisor and Co-Director of the Interdisciplinary Research Leaders program—one of four Change Leadership Programs supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). For nearly two decades at the nation’s largest community development intermediary, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Andriana led investments in place- and people-based strategies to promote physical, economic, human and social capital development in neighborhoods and communities. She joined PPL in April 2021.

Executive Assistant: genevieve.williams-murph@ppl-inc.org

May Xiong has dedicated over 15 years working in the nonprofit sector with the spirit that communities with shared strength will thrive. As the daughter of a Hmong immigrant, May has experienced firsthand how important partnerships and collaborations help families move forward. Prior to joining PPL in 2011, May held various management and director positions in Financial/Asset Building and Employment programs. As Vice President of Employment Readiness, May provides strategic direction and leadership in Employment Training, Financial Literacy and Education. Her work stems across multiple sectors ensuring innovative strategic programs and services. A true believer of continuous learning, May holds dual Masters degrees in Nonprofit Management and Public Administration as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Management.