Today we're saying goodbye to Brennan Gould, our President & CEO who has been a resolute, visionary, and deeply caring presence during her 15 year tenure at the Community Foundation. Under Brennan's leadership, we've expanded our team and grown as a foundation, we've responded to some of the most challenging events in our community, and committed to imagining new solutions to support the wellbeing of our region. Brennan will be deeply missed not only at the foundation, but in our larger community, where she's cultivated relationships with countless organization leaders and staff, community knowledge holders, and funders. If you see Brennan out and about, say hello and let her know what she's meant to you! In the meantime, drop an encouraging message below for Brennan's next chapter! (fb)

We’re proud to announce that Leslie Lynn Smith has been selected as the incoming President & CEO of the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation! Leslie brings a powerful blend of deep community roots, national leadership experience, and a lifelong commitment to building more inclusive and resilient economies. Her work has centered on advancing economic justice, fostering local entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities for underrepresented voices to lead in the innovation economy. Before joining us, Leslie served as the National Executive Director of GET Cities where she led innovative economic strategies to communities. She previously served as the founding President and CEO of Epicenter in Memphis and led TechTown Detroit, where she helped launch transformative programs supporting small businesses and tech startups. A native of Detroit, Leslie describes this opportunity as a dream come true, a chance to return to place-based work, deepen community relationships, and help guide the foundation’s next chapter. We are honored to welcome Leslie to the community foundation and look forward to what we’ll build together. (fb)