As you are aware, Andrea Reynolds, President and CEO of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV), will be leaving the organization at the end of this month.  She leaves us in a much better position than when she first began in 2005, when our funds were valued at $22 million. Today we oversee the investments and philanthropic disbursements of more than $51 million, and have a service area that now includes Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties.  The Foundations have given out approximately $17 million in grants and scholarships, and have a cohesive and knowledgeable staff and Board.  While we regret that Andrea is leaving us, we also share in the excitement about her future and wish her all the best.

In order to guarantee a seamless transition as we search for a successor, Sally Cross, (CFHV Vice President, Philanthropy) will be appointed interim CEO upon Andrea’s exit on May 31st. Sally has an extensive foundation management background and a deep understanding of the Hudson Valley region—and we’re pleased she accepted this new responsibility

Our Board formed a Search Committee comprised of Trustees, Advisors, and leaders from across the region. We also retained the services of Kittleman & Associates, LLC., an experienced and nationally regarded leader in nonprofit executive searches, to support the search effort. Our hope is to have a new CEO named by the fall.

Kittleman & Associates used input from the Board and staff to draft a comprehensive position guide that summarizes the Community Foundations’ mission, history, and accomplishments; provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities the Foundations face; and describes the skills and experiences we seek in our next President and CEO.  All potential candidates should be directed to Kittleman & Associates for further information about the position.

I will keep you apprised as the search progresses, and in the meantime, thank you for your continued interest in and support of the Community Foundations.