Andy Morikawa to Retire

at Year End

“It is with feelings of both deep appreciation and regret that the Board receives Andy’s notice of retirement,” says CFNRV Board President, Robert Nicholson, III.

When Morikawa’s tenure began in 1997, the Community Foundation had just three endowed funds totaling $46,000. Today, the grassroots organization has grown to 121 funds totaling $5.8 million. In just the past 18 months the Community Foundation has awarded 256 grants and 75 scholarships totaling $364,000 to nonprofits and students throughout the New River Valley. Since 1997, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $1.86 million in grants and scholarships to the New River Valley.

“It is due to Andy’s servant leadership that the Community Foundation has become a leading light in the New River Valley and all of Virginia,” said Nicholson.

“Andy has built a strong foundation on which to continue our mission of serving donors, making grants and scholarships, and bringing people together to build community in the New River Valley.”

Morikawa notified the board of directors in 2009 of his retirement plans in an effort to provide a smooth leadership transition. As part of the board’s succession plan, the Community Foundation hired its first associate executive director, Jessica Wirgau, earlier this year to assist in the day-to-day operations of the organization.

The board’s plan calls for a new executive director to be hired in the Fall to work with Morikawa during a transition period before Morikawa’s retirement date of December 31. “My hope is that the transition to a new executive will be seamless and abiding,” said Morikawa. “I will work with that person fully and trust that he or she may embark on the next leg of the foundation’s journey filled with the same spirit of community that has guided me these past 14 years.”

Morikawa and his wife, Susan, who has been a committed volunteer for the foundation, will continue to live and work in the New River Valley. They look forward to continued involvement with Community Foundation activities.

Save the Date

OUR ANNUAL BENEFIT AUCTION
Friday, December 3, 2010
Ken Farmer Auctions, Radford

Sponsored by the Community Foundation and Ken Farmer Auctions
Interested in donating an item? Call 381-8999 or email jessicawirgau@cfnrv.org