Introducing New Board Members

When I explain what the Community Foundation is and what we do, one of the things I like to do is to open our Annual Report to our Board pages to show the incredible people who steward the Foundation. The trust and appreciation of the Community Foundation is instant, due to the outstanding reputations of our leadership. Our board members are so well known that in almost every case, the person I’m meeting with knows one or more of them. What began with our founding board of seven members in 1996 is now a board of 45 that represents our communities, urban and rural, from every imaginable professional and occupational background, of all ages and ethnicities, and with a vast array of talents and interests that drive them. You can see our full board here I am most pleased to share that we have six new board members who will ensure that the Foundation further grows to meet the needs of the community, donors, and future generations. They are, in alpha order; Debbie Day, who will be serving on the Stewardship Committee A graduate of Stanford, Debbie has lived in Reno since 1978. She has served on numerous community boards and has been a generous philanthropist. Sy Johnson, who will be serving on the Community Leadership Committee Sy, a recent transplant to Reno, is the Chief Operating Officer of Renown Health and who previously served as CEO for the Columbia Network. Kevin Melcher, who will be serving on the Stewardship Committee and the Board of the Community Foundation of Elko County Affiliate Fund. Kevin has been on the Board of Regents and is involved with many regional and State organizations. Michaelle Rafferty, who will be serving on the Development Committee Michaelle is an attorney with Maupin Cox & LeGoy practicing in the areas of Probate and Trust Law, Estate Planning, Taxation, Commercial, & Property Law. Bonnie Read, who will be serving on the Community Leadership Committee. Bonnie works with Duraflex International and is the granddaughter of Raymond Rude, the inventor and manufacturer of the Duraflex springboard. David Stockman, who will be serving on the Community Leadership Committee. As Board President and Director of the Stillwater Foundation, Dave administers charitable grants and engages in a leadership capacity with many area charities. The Community Foundation of Western Nevada is honored to have a board that not only provides exemplary leadership, and which ensures the highest fiduciary standards, but which also makes personal financial contributions to support the mission of the Foundation. Please join me in thanking all of them, and in welcoming our newest leadership members.