PRESS RELEASE
For Release – June 23, 2016
Photo Caption: Leo Karl III, Board Chair, and Cynthia Gorey, Outgoing President and CEO
New Canaan Community Foundation President Steps Down
New Canaan – Leo Karl III, Board Chair of New Canaan Community Foundation, announced today that Cynthia Gorey, President and CEO, will be stepping down effective June 30th after fourteen years in the lead staff role.
Founded in 1977, the New Canaan Community Foundation has grown from the grass roots efforts of a group of generous local citizens, through a succession of motivated volunteers, into the thriving hub of local philanthropic activity it is today. Hired as the Foundation’s first paid employee in 2002, Mrs. Gorey worked closely with the Board of Directors and has been an integral part of the growth and expansion that the Community Foundation experienced over those years. Mr. Karl noted, “Today, NCCF is a model of a professionally run Community Foundation, with an outstanding staff, engaged board, supportive donors and tremendously positive name recognition within our community. As an organization, we are incredibly grateful for Cynthia’s long years of service.” Gorey will begin a new chapter of her professional career by transitioning to the field of education and will assume the role of Director of Development for the Fairfield County Day School on July 1st.
Mrs. Gorey has been teaching local high school students in the Foundation’s Young Philanthropists program since 2008, and this work kindled her passion for engaging children in developing their understanding of the importance of philanthropy, as well as its relevance to their lives now and in the future. As a testament to her dedication to the community and this type of effort, she will stay involved with the Foundation and will run this program through at least the 2016/2017 school year.
According to Gorey, “I have been privileged to work in such a generous and supportive community for so many years, and cherish the relationships I have developed in this role. The Community Foundation is a unique organization serving a unique Town, and I know it will continue to accomplish amazing things in partnership with local donors.”
The Foundation leadership has created a search committee to both assess the needs of NCCF and execute a planned transition. The committee includes Julianne Grace, Bill Walbert and Dave Hunt, all past NCCF Board Presidents, and current board members Diane Hanauer, John Knight, Sharon Stevenson and Leo Karl III. In the meantime, the Board is pleased to have talented staff in place who will ensure that the transition is seamless.
As with any successful organization, NCCF has experienced a great deal of change and evolution over the years while sustaining major growth: Adding new programs and services; expanding both the dollar value and breadth of funds under management; absorbing the local former United Way; launching a major scholarship program; and dramatically expanding the number of organizations they reach through their annual grant process. Karl noted, “The current Board overseeing the great work of NCCF has an opportunity and responsibility, to set the course for the next chapter of our Community Foundation and we will ensure a bright and successful future for this important local resource.”
New Canaan Community Foundation is the local charitable partner for all New Canaan residents and offers a wide range of philanthropic and educational services. The Foundation collaborates with donors to help each individual achieve their personal giving goals. Volunteer leaders guide the Foundation’s work and help the Foundation maximize its impact in our community. Building on New Canaan’s spirit of generosity, the Foundation makes careful investments in area nonprofit organizations and awards scholarships to college students. For more information call (203) 966-0231 or visit www.newcanaancf.org.
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