The Search Continues for our New CEO

The Community Foundation recently retained Koya Partners to lead the second search for a new Chief Executive Officer to replace current CEO Teri McNally. After more than 20 years of service, Teri first announced her pending retirement in early 2022.

Bill Boldon is a member of The Community Foundation Board of Governors and Chair of the Strategic Directions Committee, which is coordinating the new search. “Earlier this year, the Board selected Zach Hatcher, an outstanding local candidate with the management and fundraising background we were looking for. We were stunned by the tragic plane crash that took his life 10 days before he was due to assume his new role,” says Bill. “After regrouping, we began by reviewing a few other candidates in our pipeline, but then we decided to retain an executive search firm to help us. After interviewing four firms, we chose Koya Partners, which has a solid track record of finding CEOs for other Community Foundations and non-profits.”

Bill says Koya is currently reviewing applications, but all candidates must meet one very specific requirement. “First and foremost, all serious applicants must currently reside in the City of Fredericksburg or in the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, or Stafford,” says Bill. “If they do not currently live here, they must commit to relocating if they wish to proceed in the selection and interview process.”

Bill explains that Teri’s successful tenure is a perfect example of why it’s important for the CEO of The Community Foundation to live within our service area. “As a member of the Fredericksburg area community, Teri knows everybody on both sides of the equation. She knows our donors and their interests; she knows the leaders of local nonprofit organizations; she understands their needs; and she knows how to build coalitions and how to match donors to opportunities within their areas of interest,” says Bill. “It’s essential that our new CEO becomes ingrained within the community and has the personality and desire to build strong relationships.”

Other requirements of the position include experience in non-profit leadership and/or business development, with a background in fundraising and strategic planning.

Since its founding in 1997, The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region has successfully raised more than $62 million in charitable donations and has distributed over $20 million of vital support. At this time, the Foundation manages more than $59 million in funds and assets.

“We are well-positioned, thanks in large part to Teri’s skillful management in coordination with our Board,” says Bill. “Going forward, we need someone to continue her good work by assessing our community’s evolving needs and leading the Community Foundation in adapting and growing to meet them. We are looking for the right person to help us do that.”

Koya Partners is continuing to screen and refer candidates to the Strategic Directions Committee, and interviews are expected to begin in January 2025. “The committee will make a recommendation to the full Board of Governors,” explains Bill. “Once we have a finalist, the entire Board will have an opportunity meet with them prior to voting to approve the recommendation. Our goal is to have a new CEO in place by this coming Spring.”

To suggest potential candidates, contact the Koya team directly through Erin Reedy at ereedy@koyapartners.com or Chris Lee at cdlee@storbecksearch.com.

You can see a more detailed description of the CEO position requirements and responsibilities at https://www.cfrrr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cfrrr-CEO-position-guide.pdf.