Meet Downtown Pittsburgh’s New Volunteer Coordinator

Big things are happening in Downtown Pittsburgh. With major developments underway, festivals in full swing, and a packed fall season ahead, Downtown welcomes millions of people year-round. To make our neighborhood shine, the PDP’s Clean Team is hard at work seven days a week to ensure our streets and public spaces stay clean and inviting. But they aren’t alone–every year, hundreds of volunteers pitch in, from local organizations to passionate residents who care deeply about their community.

At the heart of this effort is Downtown store owner and PDP’s volunteer coordinator, Bree McGee Pryor!

Since taking on this newly introduced role in July, Bree has recruited 40 new volunteers and led more than 120 hours of cleanup projects across the Golden Triangle. We caught up with her to hear about her background, her hopes for Downtown’s future, and how she’s inspiring more people to get involved.

Q: How did you first get into community engagement work?
A: “I got into community engagement through my time with AmeriCorps. I worked on projects that allowed me to build relationships with families, youth, and organizations, and that experience opened my eyes to how powerful community connections can be. After Americorps, teaching helped me carry my passion for mentoring, guiding, and supporting young people inside the classroom. Over time, I realized that’s what I loved most – whether in service or education – was creating spaces where people could feel supported, safe, and encouraged to grow.”

Q: What influenced you to accept this role?
A: “I first saw the Volunteer Supervisor role with Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership on the Pittsburgh Arts Council page, and it immediately caught my eye. At that time, I was also stepping into my new role as a store owner in Downtown Pittsburgh (PG Shanty Shop), which made me eager to connect with the community more deeply. I figured that by becoming the volunteer supervisor for PDP, I would be able to engage with the heartbeat of downtown by working directly with community members, can build authentic connections with the people who live, work, and create downtown Pittsburgh while also blending my strengths in leadership, organizing, and creating welcoming spaces.”

Q: What responsibilities does your role as Volunteer Coordinator include?
A: “As a volunteer supervisor with PDP, my responsibilities center on leadership, safety, and community care. I am responsible for ensuring the volunteers feel prepared, safe, and supported while completing their tasks, which include giving guidance, answering questions, and addressing any concerns. I also serve as a bridge between the volunteers, the organization, and the Downtown community to ensure that efforts are impactful and aligned with the community’s needs. Another responsibility is positive representation by representing both PDP and Downtown Pittsburgh in a positive way by engaging with the public and modeling community pride.”

Q: What are your hopes for the volunteer program?
A: “My hopes for the volunteer program are to engage more youth and students by creating pathways for young people to get involved, contribute, and see themselves as part of Downtown’s growth. I would love for volunteering to become a natural extension of learning and leadership development, while also encouraging artists, makers, and small business owners to bring their skills and energy into downtown initiatives to blend creativity and community service. And finally, I aim to foster a diverse volunteer base by cultivating a program that reflects the diversity of Pittsburgh and strengthens the sense of pride in Downtown.”

Q: In your opinion, why should people consider volunteering with PDP / in Downtown? –
A: “People should consider volunteering with PDP to be a part of a great organization that is dedicated to keeping Downtown Pittsburgh vibrant, welcoming, and thriving. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with the outdoors and community. It’s a chance to experience the city in a new way while gaining a deeper perspective of what makes Pittsburgh unique by actively engaging in its upkeep. Volunteering provides a sense of personal fulfillment by making a visible difference by helping keep the community clean and inviting. And lastly, volunteering can boost organizational visibility for groups, schools, and businesses by showcasing your organization or company’s commitment to community impact.”

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GET INVOLVED

Our volunteers are a crucial part of ensuring residents, workers, and visitors always see an energetic city in motion, and we could not accomplish what we do without their help! Whether you’re a Downtown resident looking to help keep the neighborhood clean, a corporate team looking for an out-of-office experience to give back to the community, a school group planning a service day, or just someone interested in making Downtown Pittsburgh shine, we can craft a volunteer experience suited to your needs.

Visit our volunteer scheduling page on the Pittsburgh Cares hub to browse available volunteer dates and register for upcoming opportunities.