POUGHKEEPSIE – Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley has announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer. Sally Cross, MPA, CFRE, will become the next CEO of the regional grantmaker effective June 1.
After a nation-wide search, the Community Foundations selected Sally Cross. The incoming CEO currently serves as the Vice President of Philanthropy at the 50-year-old foundation. In that role for the past six years, Cross has worked with donors, professional advisors, and nonprofits as an expert on philanthropy, planned giving, and nonprofit management.
“The Board and staff are pleased to name Sally Cross as the next President & CEO of the Community Foundations,” said Jeffrey D. Wood, Board Chair at the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley. “The hiring process was led by a highly regarded search firm, and supported by a committee of local and community leaders. While candidates came from across the country, Sally’s experience and knowledge distinguished her among the applicants. Her keen understanding of philanthropy and years at the Community Foundations will serve to lead our growth and expand our community impact.”
“I am honored to be the next President & CEO of the Community Foundations,” Sally Cross said. “It has been my pleasure to serve this institution and the caring community of generous neighbors who make our work possible. I am heartened each day by the goodwill of people in the Hudson Valley and look forward to serving them in this new capacity. Together, we can build a brighter future – and I will bring my background to bear for the benefit of all.”
Cross holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Portland State University, a bachelor’s degree from Barnard College, Columbia University, as well as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential. In addition to her work at the Community Foundations, she serves as an adjunct instructor in Bay Path University’s graduate Nonprofit Fundraising program. Cross volunteers locally, currently on the boards of the Hudson Valley Estate Planning Council and the Wallkill Valley Land Trust. She previously worked as the Executive Director of the SUNY New Paltz Foundation and was among the founders of the Mid Hudson Valley Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).
“On behalf of the board and staff, I also want to acknowledge and applaud Nevill Smythe, who served as the Interim President & CEO,” Wood said. “Nevill stepped in for nearly a full year as we searched for our next leader. He led the board and staff during a singular moment in the organization’s history – first, through the successful celebration of its 50th anniversary year, and now, through the arrival of a global pandemic in our region. Nevill did all of this with aplomb, poise, and a profound sense of duty both to the organization and the community at large. His diligent efforts have positioned the organization to make a tangible difference in the current climate of challenge, and set Sally on a path to success.”
