President’s Reflection
As we mark the 25th anniversary of my tenure, I am filled with gratitude at the incredible impact we have made together. Throughout this time our dedicated donors, board, and staff have transformed Greenville County in ways we could scarcely have imagined when I first took on this role in 1999. My first press conference announced a partnership with the YWCA, the School District of Greenville County, and the United Way to create a mixed-income model for early childcare and education. I am proud of the collaborations that followed in building Falls Park, the Kroc Center, and the South Carolina Children’s Theatre. Whether through public-private partnerships or efforts led by local foundations and philanthropists, our goals have been to create an exceptional place to learn, work, and live. Current endeavors like Greater Good Greenville and Greenville Together: A Home for All clearly demonstrate strategies used to build upon rich traditions while adding to infrastructure necessary for future success. A highlight has been our partnership with Hollingsworth Funds, United Way of Greenville County, The Jolley Foundation, and the School District of Greenville County to create OnTrack Greenville, a national model that provides academic enrichment and leadership programs that help middle school students stay on track towards high school graduation and post-secondary success.
When my family and I moved to Greenville, my children began school at Little Folks at Fourth Presbyterian, First Baptist Kindergarten, and Stone Academy. Now they are all adults thriving in large part because they grew up in Greenville as students at Camperdown Academy and Greenville Tech Charter High School. As a family we have benefited from medical specialists in developmental pediatrics and neurology. We have been inspired by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and a rich tapestry of arts and cultural offerings.
While it is gratifying to reflect on the past 25 years, I am excited about our future. There is an urgency needed to meet the moment and provide safe and affordable housing and extend academic success to all students, and it will require all our best efforts. I am confident that with your continued support and partnership, the Community Foundation of Greenville will remain at the forefront of addressing these opportunities and challenges. To our donors, volunteers, and community partners: thank you. Your generosity, vision, and dedication have been the driving force behind every success we’ve achieved. To my CFG colleagues – thank you for your daily commitment to our vision.
