After twenty five years with Chester County Community Foundation, President and CEO Karen Simmons plans to retire this summer.

Simmons first assumed the role in 2001, and played a pivotal role in making the foundation the vibrant, community centered-organization that it is today. 

Under her leadership, the foundation’s assets and grant-making capability have grown while the organization’s commitment to community legacy giving, nonprofit capacity building and community-focused strategy have become more profound. 

“We are very grateful for Karen’s leadership,” Zebulun Davenport, Chair of the Board, said. “Her vision, passion, and unwavering commitment to our mission have guided the organization through significant growth and impact.”

Davenport, along with Erik Gudmundson, the chair-elect, will co-lead the search committee tasked with finding Simmons’ replacement. They are working with Kittleman & Associates, a firm that has helped other foundations and nonprofits across the country with similar searches.

Since Simmons stepped into her role, the foundation has grown from 130 funds at $8 million to 335 funds at $141 million. The growth was made possible through the foundation’s role as a philanthropic resource to professional advisors, estate planning attorneys and CPAs.

Recent grant-making has averaged $6 million annually. 

The foundation has also worked closely with philanthropic individuals and families on due diligence, as well as smart-giving discussions and orchestrating VIP behind-the-scenes site tours with donors and their advisors.

Simmons was also essential in turning the foundation’s focus from discretionary grant-making to nonprofit capacity building, helping strengthen nonprofit self-governance as well as their fundraising, and management infrastructure. This shift in focus has been particularly important lately, since nonprofits are reeling from federal cutbacks and immense public dependence on the services they provide. 

The foundation has been guided by a set of five rules that have shaped their strategy over the years. These rules steer the foundation’s actions toward uplifting the communities they work with, encouraging donors and paving the way for legacy donations, as well as strengthening the capacity of non-profits, their impact and sustainability.

Simmons plans to continue to support the goals of the foundation until her retirement.

“The Community Foundation’s priority is to engage donors in legacy philanthropy, be outstanding stewards of gifts entrusted to us, and positively expand the impact of philanthropy on our community,” Simmons said. “We all work together to create a thriving, vibrant, safe, healthy community: For Good. For All. Forever!”