Thanks for the Warm Welcome to Worcester! 

I am honored to officially step into the role of CEO at the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and to have the opportunity to continue to build an organization that is driven by innovation, collaboration, and impact, as we seek to shape a brighter future for our shared community. During these first few days, I wanted to share some thoughts about our vision going forward.

As we approach our 50th anniversary in 2025, we will continue to deepen our engagement with the community, actively listening to the needs and aspirations of Worcester County residents. We’ll bring forward new ways for the Community Foundation to have an impact that leverage the resources that have been entrusted to us by our donors. We will engage new philanthropic audiences, welcoming everyone who shares our passion for this community and seeks to make a lasting impact on the lives of Worcester County residents. 

We will seek to infuse our institutional commitment to equity across our work. As an organization responsible for leveraging community impact using finite amounts of philanthropic resources, I believe that the Community Foundation’s commitment to equity has been not only an institutional imperative but also a great strategic investment decision. Using a lens that takes into account systemic bias in all its forms enables us to get better results with the grants that we make and the funds that we administer. Ultimately, a commitment to equity is good stewardship.

I want to express my deep appreciation for everything Tim Johnstone has done over the past year as our Interim CEO and, in particular, his support in facilitating my transition process over the last several months. Under his leadership, the Community Foundation has continued its critical missions of growing permanent local philanthropic resources, supporting arts and culture in the region, nurturing early childhood education initiatives, and acting as the largest scholarship provider in our area and opening doors of opportunity for countless students and their families. He helped set the stage with new initiatives and approaches, a commitment to service and a positive impact that I am thrilled to continue. I hope you’ll join me in thanking Tim for his commitment to all of the communities in Central Massachusetts. 

To the GWCF staff, our donors, our partners, and our Worcester County community, thank you for everything you do—your hard work, passion and enthusiasm for building a better future together. At the Community Foundation, we are here for good, and focused forward across all of our work. I am grateful to be on this journey with you. 

With great excitement and gratitude,