SouthCoast Community Foundation Announces President John Vasconcellos Retirement  

Aug 11, 2021

 Search committee embarks on nationwide search to secure successor by January 2022. 

 

NEW BEDFORD, MA – The SouthCoast Community Foundation announced today that John Vasconcellos is retiring and stepping down as its President at the end of the year. During his five-year leadership, the organization has built a solid financial base, operational depth, and a highly respected reputation for thoughtful, effective, and trust-based philanthropy, which positions it well for the future. 

“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. “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 Community Foundation tenure, the organization developed and implemented the 5-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, John 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. John also led the Community Foundation in spearheading a region-wide COVID-19 response that, to date, has raised more than $8M 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. The Community Foundation mission is to mobilize philanthropy by matching donors and resources with community needs for the benefit of our region. Since 1995, the organization has distributed over $50 million from more than 200 funds to humanitarian, educational, and cultural organizations in the region. For more information, visit http://www.southcoastcf.org. 

 

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