Urban Alliance Mourns the Loss of Co-Founder Andrew D. Plepler
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved co-founder, Andrew D. Plepler, 64, after a courageous battle with lymphoma. Driven by a lifelong commitment to social justice, Andrew co-founded Urban Alliance in 1996. His vision to provide young people with access to workforce skills training and paid work experiences has since grown into a national movement, empowering over 30,000 young adults with paid internships, workforce readiness training, and the confidence to pursue their goals.
Beyond Urban Alliance, Andrew’s career reflected a steadfast dedication to equity and responsible leadership. Until his retirement in 2024, he served as Bank of America’s Global Head of ESG, where he helped shape strategies that placed environmental, social, and governance principles at the center of business practices. His work engaged leaders across sectors and left a lasting mark on how institutions approach responsibility and impact. Earlier in his career, he brought his talents to the Fannie Mae Foundation, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
Andrew was also a devoted family man and a passionate sports fan who never wavered in his support of his beloved Boston Red Sox. He celebrated their four World Series championships with the same joy and loyalty that defined so much of his life.
Andrew is survived by his wife, Tracy Curtis; his children Alexandra, Jonathan (Mary Summers), and Catherine Plepler; his stepchildren Colton and Fletcher Curtis; his brother Richard (Lisa) Plepler; his niece Eden Plepler; his mother Constance Plepler; and countless friends, relatives, and mentees whose lives he profoundly touched. He is predeceased by his father, Sanford Plepler.
At Urban Alliance, we mourn not only the loss of a co-founder but also a mentor, visionary, and friend. Andrew’s courage, compassion, and belief in the potential of young people will remain central to who we are and the work we carry forward in his honor.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/charlotte-nc/andrew-plepler-12518399