As the new Board Chair (Robert Caplan) and the past Board Chair (Carolyn Dumaresq) of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC), we are sharing the following retirement message from Janice R. Black, President & CEO of TFEC since 1994. Her 29 plus years of service to this community will be forever remembered. We wish her all the best in what the future holds for her.
"The time has come. The time is right. After much difficult deliberation, I have decided to retire, effective June 30, 2024. It will be hard to say good-bye, but I take comfort in knowing that TFEC is a strong foundation that serves as a model for other community foundations throughout the country.
When I started in this position 29 years ago, I could never have imagined the changes and growth ahead for the Foundation. We have grown from $4.9 million in assets to $130 million, a staggering 25 times larger! We strengthened the existing regional foundations; added new funds, such as the Fund for Women and Girls, and the Young Philanthropists; and emphasized programs for early childhood education and the LGBTQ+ community.
Of course, I did not do this alone. Over the nearly three decades, I have had the privilege of working with dedicated board members, donors, outstanding team members, and professional colleagues in the Capital Region and beyond. I would be remiss not to express my appreciation for their continuing commitment to TFEC and our mission: To inspire giving by partnering with donors to achieve their charitable goals, and strengthen our local communities by investing in them now and for future generations.
I have agreed to be available throughout the Search Process and Transition for my successor to advise and assure uninterrupted service and commitment to our donors, board, grantees and team members.
In closing, I am proud of what we have accomplished. I am proud of our values, inclusion, stewardship, endurance and integrity; they have served us well and will serve as a touchstone in the transition ahead. Most of all, I am proud of the thousands of lives we, together, have touched throughout our region.
With wishes for nothing but the brightest future for the Foundation"
Janice R. Black, President & CEO, The Foundation for Enhancing Communities
