Author Gladwell Marks Nonprofit's Anniversary

The organization is also known for its "Connector Project," in which Leadership Philadelphia staff compiled lists of the region's most effective leaders, or "connectors." The project was inspired by Gladwell's 2000 best-seller on social change, The Tipping Point.

Liz Dow, executive director of Leadership Philadelphia and a 1986 program alumna, said Gladwell's role in shaping the agency's programs made him a natural choice to kick off the anniversary celebration.