Seasons of change: A dynamic 2020 ahead

Just as the seasons change from summer breezes to autumn leaves, the Community Foundation embraces a time of change with news to share to the donors and nonprofits to whom we serve.

Last week, CEO Alicia Philipp announced her plans to retire by the end of 2020 after 42 years of extraordinary service and leadership. The announcement was made during keynotes at National Philanthropy Day and at the Atlanta Regional Commission’s annual State of the Region event. The Foundation Board and internal team have been preparing for this transition with a robust, engaging and collaborative journey through research, assessment, updated bylaws, strategic plans, corporate governance and committee charters.

The Foundation established a search committee, led by Board member Bert Clark, J.D. He and his fellow search committee members have now chosen BoardWalk Consulting after a comprehensive selection process to lead the national search befitting an organization with the Foundation’s mission and reputation.

Additionally, both Lesley Grady, the Foundation’s 20+ year veteran of our regional community leadership work, and Lisa Cremin, our founding director for the Metro Atlanta Arts Fund, have chosen to pursue endeavors on respective bucket lists of vocational accomplishments. Lita Pardi, our director of resource deployment and Lesley’s sidekick for the last 16 years, has agreed to join the senior team as the interim vice-president. We are so honored that Lita has accepted the challenge ahead.

Check back in as the Foundations details aspects of the CEO search process and provide biographical sketches of exceptional new leaders joining our Community Foundation family.