SouthCoast Community Foundation Announces President’s Retirement

Filed Under: Non Profit News

The SouthCoast Community Foundation has announced that John Vasconcellos is retiring and stepping down as its president at the end of the year.

“It’s been an honor of a lifetime to steward this amazing organization through such critical times for our region and its residents,” said Vasconcellos, who has served as president for five years. “I love the work that we do and am proud of the differences we have made throughout the South Coast collaborating with the Board, staff, committees, nonprofits, and community members, so it’s not easy to leave. But with the Foundation in strong standing, it is an opportune time for my next chapter and to hand over the reins.”

“We have been so fortunate to have had John’s vision and guidance over the past five years,” stated Board Chair Linda Bodenmann. “Thanks to his dedication and dynamic leadership style, we have a Community Foundation that our region deserves, that attracts philanthropy, and elevates the needs and opportunities within our community. I’m grateful for the partnership we have shared.”

Board member and Assistant Clerk Jonathan Rounds is leading a search committee that will include community members and key nonprofit leaders. A nationwide search is underway for the right combination of expertise, leadership, and passion that the Community Foundation has come to expect in its leader.

After a long career as a nonprofit and banking executive, Vasconcellos is the third president of the 25-year-old community foundation. During his tenure, the organization developed and implemented the five-year Re-Commitment: Strategic Plan 2019-2023, grew its assets from $30 million to $50 million, and increased annual grants and scholarships from $2.3 million to $9.1 million. Additionally, Vasconcellos launched the 10-year Creative SouthCoast Initiative elevating the arts in Fall River and New Bedford and, most recently, initiated the development of the Leadership Equity Fund to support nonprofit leaders and employees of color. He also led the community foundation in spearheading a regional COVID-19 response that, to date, has raised more than $8 million that supported 127 organizations serving all 41 communities of southeastern Massachusetts.

The SouthCoast Community Foundation is a nonprofit serving the communities of Southeastern Massachusetts through philanthropy. For more information, visit http://www.southcoastcf.org.