Ingrid Manning recently announced that she will retire as CEO of the Connecticut Community Foundation as of December 31, 2011. Manning joined the Foundation, then the Waterbury Foundation, in 1982 as its first employee and administrator.
“It has been an honor to help build a small organization into a major resource for our area, touching people’s lives every day in many ways,” said Manning. “I have been privileged to work with dedicated volunteers and generous donors who make the work of the Foundation possible.”
Under Manning’s leadership, the Foundation has grown from $2 million in assets and awarding grants to nonprofits solely in the Waterbury area, to an organization with assets of $76 million serving 21 towns in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills. In 2010, the Foundation awarded $1.6 million in grants to nonprofits.
In 1989, the Foundation awarded scholarships for the first time for a total of $10,500. Today, the Foundation is the region’s largest scholarship provider with over $602,000 in awards this year from funds established by area donors.
“Community foundations play a unique leadership role, sharing knowledge of issues in the region and bringing the right people together to address those issues,” said Manning.
According to Manning, the Foundation’s focus on improving kindergarten readiness and early childhood literacy through the LitLinks early education initiative has made a significant impact in area school districts.
“The Foundation is leading efforts on other important issues including the protection of local river watersheds, assistance to area nonprofits to operate effectively and efficiently, and support for seniors who wish to remain in their homes,” she said.
“I join my fellow board members, friends of the Foundation and the community at large in thanking Ingrid for all that she has accomplished in her 30 years at the Foundation to improve the quality of life in our region,” said Foundation President, Dick Lau. “We appreciate Ingrid’s vision and leadership to continue the important work of the Foundation during this time of transition.”
Lau announced that a search committee of current and former board members, led by Foundation trustee, Margaret Field, will conduct a search for the new CEO with the assistance of the firm, The 360 Group. The search will begin this fall.
In addition to leading the Connecticut Community Foundation, Manning currently serves on the Waterbury Regional Chamber Board of Directors and Executive Committee and is co-chair of the Advocacy Committee for the Connecticut Network of Community Foundations. During her career, Manning also served on many boards, committees and commissions for both nonprofits and government entities.
Manning received her bachelor’s degree from Brown University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Harvard University School of Business.
About the Connecticut Community Foundation
Founded in 1923 as the Waterbury Foundation, the Connecticut Community Foundation was the first community foundation in the state. The Foundation connects you to the causes you care about. Serving 21 towns in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills, the Foundation administers more than 380 charitable funds established by local donors. Funds reflect a variety of philanthropic interests and support a range of giving opportunities in the arts, environment, health care, education, human services and women’s and children’s initiatives.
With this support, the Foundation provides grants and services to nonprofit organizations and scholarships to students. Volunteers and staff offer their expertise by serving on committees and supporting special initiatives that effect positive change, growth and improve the quality of life in our region. For more information, go to www.conncf.org.