POUGHKEEPSIE – The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) announced that Nevill Smythe of Red Hook will serve as the regional philanthropic foundation’s interim President and CEO following March Gallagher’s decision to pursue public office. The CFHV’s Board of Directors also announced that longtime board member Jeffrey Wood will become Board Chair. In addition, SUNY Dutchess faculty and public housing advocate Wesley Lee will join the board.
A veteran consultant and contributor to Hudson Valley charitable causes for much of his career, Mr. Smythe will be returning to CFHV where he served as its Vice President of Programs from 2003-2012.
“I am excited to re-join the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley,” said Smythe. “I spent almost ten years helping the organization grow and have continued to work with staff evaluating grant and scholarship applications. I am honored to step into the role at an exciting time in the Foundations’ history. This year marks our 50th anniversary, and I’m proud to celebrate our past and build for the future.”
In making its announcement, the CFHV Board of Directors praised Ms. Gallagher for her tenure at the organization, which works with donors to support vital causes and charities throughout the region.
“We are grateful to March Gallagher for her contributions to the Foundations and wish her well in all future endeavors,” said CFHV Executive Committee Board Member Steven Tinkelman. “We look forward to the return of Nevill Smythe, who will bring continuity and competence to the organization as we commemorate our 50th anniversary. We are pleased to have new leadership in the President’s office and on the Board.”
“It has been a privilege to serve as a Board Member and Chair of the Community Foundations Grants Committee,” said Wood. “Working on that committee, I became more intimately aware of the needs in our community—as well as the Foundations work to address them. I am proud to take on this role at a pivotal and historic moment.”
The Board announced it has formed a search committee to identify candidates to serve as the organization’s new President and CEO.
