Founding CEO of Community Foundations of Canada to step down in 2011

OTTAWA, June 9 /CNW Telbec/ - Monica Patten, the President and CEO of Community Foundations of Canada, will be stepping down as head of the movement's membership association in May 2011. The announcement was made today by Faye Wightman, Chair of CFC's Board of Directors.

"Monica has been the heart and soul of Canada's community foundation movement for almost 17 years, leading us through a transformative period of growth and change with a sharp eye and a steady hand," said Wightman. "The impact of her contribution will be felt in communities across Canada, and around the world, for years to come. Words cannot convey the depth of our appreciation, respect and admiration."

Patten will continue to lead CFC until after the organization's next international conference, which takes place in Vancouver from May 12-14, 2011. The search process for a new CEO will begin immediately.

When Patten took the helm of CFC in 1993, just one year after its establishment, the organization had 28 member community foundations with assets of $500 million. Today, the network includes more than 170 community foundations and almost $3 billion. Community foundations are now one of the largest grantmakers in Canada, contributing more than $140 million last year to charities across the country.

"Under Monica's leadership, CFC earned a national and international reputation for excellence," said Wightman. "Together we have built a close and collegial network that is the envy of many countries around the world. We are extremely well positioned for the next stage in our growth."

"It has been an honour to travel across our great country and witness the passion and commitment of community foundation volunteers and staff as they strive to build more vital communities," said Patten. "It has been a privilege working such a vibrant national network and with a Board and staff that I am proud to call colleagues and friends."

In May 2005, Patten received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lawson Foundation in recognition of her "extraordinary accomplishments and leadership." She was also honoured by the Public Policy Forum in April 2002 for her contribution to public policy and Canada's voluntary sector. In 2007 Patten was appointed a Mentor with the Trudeau Foundation and more recently to the RioTintoAlcan Fund and the Lawson Foundation as a Director.

Internationally Patten has served on countless international boards and committees. She was a founder of WINGS (Worldwide Initiatives for Grantmaker Support) and served as its chair through 2004 to 2007 and has been a strong supporter of the Translatlantic Community Foundation Network, which is currently hosted by CFC. She serves on the Board of the Global Fund for Community Foundations and has personally assisted in the development of community philanthropy around the world.

Patten's tenure with CFC will be celebrated at the CFC 2011 Conference, May 12-14 in Vancouver.

About Community Foundations

Canada's 170 community foundations are local charitable foundations that help Canadians invest in building strong and resilient places to live, work, and play. They are one of the largest supporters of Canadian charities.

For further information: Anne-Marie McElrone, Director of Communications and Marketing, [phone] (w), [phone] (c), [email protected]; Skana Gee, Communications Coordinator, [phone] (w), [phone] (c), [email protected]