Community Foundation Undergoes Staff Updates

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Growth at the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley in 2023 encompassed several significant organizational changes, including the retirement of Shari Harrell, the organization’s president since 2013.

In conjunction with Harrell’s retirement, CFMV directors selected Casey Krell, long-time director with the organization, as the incoming president.

In December, CFMV rounded out its new staff structure with the hiring of Shawntae Burton as philanthropic services director, a newly-created position.

Important mission-based growth included welcoming the Mahoning Valley Historical Society Foundation as a new supporting organization, helping individuals, groups and organizations open 17 new charitable funds and awarding $2.2 million in competitive grants in conjunction with the organization’s three original affiliate foundations – the Western Reserve Health Foundation, Trumbull Memorial Health Foundation and William Swanston Charitable Fund.

CFMV closed out 2023 by offering the Giving Tuesday and Beyond campaign for the third year and saw record participation from agency funds as well as community donors. Matching amounts from the foundation are being finalized. Over the course of the month-long effort, more than $90,000 came in from 1,118 individual gifts to support the sustainability of 31 local nonprofits that have agency funds held at the foundation.

In 2024, the Community Foundation will celebrate its 25th year of working with the community. Plans to celebrate include community-based open houses and an emphasis on participation in local community events.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.