The Sunshine Coast Community Foundation board of directors has announced the appointment of Wendy Francis as its new executive director.
Board chair Shelley McDade said the board was delighted that Francis accepted the position.
“She has a strong record of success, an ability to work collaboratively and strategically, and over 30 years of experience leading non-profit organizations through leadership transitions and growth,” McDade said.
Francis, a Gibsons resident who holds a law degree from the University of Calgary, has most recently been the interim executive director of the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative. She has a wide range of leadership experience as the principal of Wendy Francis Consulting and has earned accolades for her work, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Francis said, “I believe strongly in the role of community foundations to connect financial and leadership resources with solutions that address important local issues, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute in my home community.”
Francis is succeeding the foundation’s first executive director, Sandra Cunningham, who last fall announced her decision to retire.
“On behalf of the board of directors, and our community, we want to express our deep appreciation for Sandra’s dedication, passion and achievements that have brought our mission to life and ensured we are well placed for the future,” McDade said.
Cunningham said it had “been a privilege to be part of establishing the foundation as a major contributor to the quality of life on the Sunshine Coast, and connecting with many generous donors and the wide range of organizations that have benefitted from our grants.”
The Sunshine Coast Community Foundation was established in 2003 and has grown to hold nearly $4 million in endowments. Last year it granted $143,600 to support community-driven projects. Since 2005, the foundation has invested $588,000 in local projects. To learn more visit www.sccfoundation.com
