POUGHKEEPSIE- Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) has selected Kathleen H. Banks, MA, CFRE of New Paltz to serve as the regional charitable organization’s Interim President & Chief Executive Officer, effective May 15, 2023.
Previously a consultant to the CFHV from 2015-2017, Ms. Banks returns after having most recently served as Interim CEO of the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester. Some of her prior clients and employers include Clarkson University, Columbia University Medical Center, The Juilliard School, The Nature Conservancy, the West Point Association of Graduates, and the Walkway Over the Hudson. Ms. Banks is a member of the Greater Hudson Valley Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and previously served on the board of the former Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation. She holds a master’s degree in nonprofit performing arts administration from New York University and a bachelor’s degree in music from Ithaca College, as well as the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential.
Charles “Chip” Simon, Chair of the CFHV Board of Trustees said, “The entire Board of Trustees congratulates Kathleen and looks forward to her interim stewardship to ensure the continuity of CFHV’s day-to-day operations. Our Transition Task Force was immediately impressed by her background and recent administrative achievements. When we considered that she has also worked with CFHV previously, we knew that we had a winning combination to best serve our board, staff, and community partners.”
“I am excited to lead the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley during this period of transition, and to serve in the Mid-Hudson Valley region that I call home,” said Kathleen H. Banks. “I am especially energized by this opportunity to collaborate for the good of our communities with the Community Foundations’ dedicated Board of Trustees and highly professional staff, as well as with our generous donors and philanthropic partners throughout Dutchess, Ulster, and Putnam counties.”
In the meantime, CFHV’s Transition Task Force has started the formal search for a new President & CEO, stated Mr. Simon. “We all look forward to working together with Kathleen and will keep the community informed about our progress during the next few months,” he added.
Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley delivers community leadership and strategic philanthropy to inspire and celebrate local charitable giving in the Mid-Hudson Valley region. Partnering with its generous donors, the CFHV addresses current and emerging community needs through effective grantmaking to improve the quality of life for all, and by offering technical assistance to help nonprofits operate more effectively. Since its origin as the Area Fund in 1969, the CFHV has expanded to include Dutchess, Ulster, and Putnam counties. The CFHV currently manages over $100 million in assets and administers nearly 600 charitable funds for individuals and organizations. In 2022, it distributed more than $17 million in grants and scholarships. The CFHV is a tax-exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Contributions to the CFHV are tax-deductible within the limitations prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code.
To learn more, visit communityfoundationshv.org.
