New CEO, COO for McKeesport-Based Auberle

Human services agency announces succession plan; Lydon moves to part-time role

By Staff Reports
The Tube City Almanac
June 10, 2025
Posted in: Announcements

Darla Poole has been named the new chief executive officer of McKeesport-based Auberle. She replaces John Lydon, longtime CEO, who will move to an emeritus role on July 1. (Both photos: Courtesy Auberle)

The longtime chief executive officer of McKeesport-based Auberle will move to an emeritus role as the non-profit agency implements a multi-year succession plan to ensure continuity and stable delivery of human services.

In the move, Darla Poole, who currently serves as chief operating officer, will become CEO, replacing John Lydon, who has been named director of strategic projects and chief executive officer emeritus, a spokesman said.

Aimee Plowman, currently director of young adult services, has been named COO, succeeding Poole. The changes are effective July 1.

Located on Hartman Street near Penn State Greater Allegheny and the McKeesport Area High School campus, Auberle is a non-profit agency that provides housing, foster care, behavioral health, young adult services, and workforce development for young people, teen-agers and famiies.

A faith-based agency with ties to the Roman Catholic Church, Auberle was founded in 1952 and currently serves 12 western Pennsylvania counties. About 250 people work for Auberle, which provided $16.5 million in services in 2023, according to the most recent available IRS information.

In Allegheny County alone, Auberle currently serves 25 percent of children and 50 percent of teen-agers in the foster care system.

Poole joined Auberle in 1988, shortly after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh Social of Work, and helped manage Auberle’s then-new Family Preservation Program.

Away from Auberle, Poole also serves as president and co-founder of Gray Paws Sanctuary, a White Oak-based animal rescue agency for older dogs.

“It is an incredible honor to lead Auberle into its next chapter,” said Poole in a prepared release. “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.”

Plowman joined Auberle in 2016 to launch the acclaimed 412 Youth Zone, now a statewide and national model for supporting young people aging out of foster care. She later assumed oversight of Ward Home programming and was critical to its rejuvenation.

“I am excited to support Darla and our team as we deepen our impact across Pennsylvania. 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,” said Plowman.

A spokesman said that Auberle recently completed a multi-year, agency-wide succession planning process focused on strengthening the entire organization.

Lydon had served as CEO since 2004, following many years of service as an Auberle board member. Under his leadership, the organization expanded significantly, serving more than 5,000 people in 2024 alone — an increase of more than 1,000 people over the previous year — across multiple sites and programs.

During his tenure, Lydon guided Auberle through a strategic exit from providing residential services, the acquisition and revitalization of Ward Home, and the rapid expansion of emergency and housing programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“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," Lydon said in a prepared statement.

Originally published June 10, 2025.

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