YOUNGSTOWN/WARREN, Ohio – The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley has hired Shawntae Burton as philanthropic services director, a new position that aims to align current fundholders and new fund development with the foundation’s community-centered strategic plan.
“Shawntae is a wonderful addition to the Community Foundation and we couldn’t be more excited to have her take on this important work. Already in the few weeks she’s been here, she’s brought important insights and ideas to the table” says Casey Krell, incoming president of the Community Foundation. “As we transition into new leadership and an updated organizational structure, her input and effort will be vital as we work to create a more just and equitable Mahoning Valley.”
“I’m grateful to be joining the Community Foundation staff and helping make a brighter future for the Valley,” Burton says. “It’s so exciting to build authentic relationships with residents who are interested in strengthening our community one story, one charitable gift and one act of service at a time.”
Buton has served learners, P-16, and their families through grant-funded programs at Youngstown State University, Kent State University, Clinton College and Winthrop University, the latter two of Rock Hill, SC. She was most recently an outreach coordinator at Youngstown State University, where she helped create the Assured Digital Microelectronics Education and Training Ecosystem (ADMETE) program. She also had the honor of working alongside amazing leaders in both Mahoning and Trumbull Counties to close achievement gaps for all students as the network action team manager at the Eastern Ohio Education Partnership. Burton earned her bachelor’s degree in public communication and master’s degree in education administration from Kent State University.
In the philanthropic services director role, Burton will partner with current fundholders/advisors to support their philanthropic goals and to connect them with community needs. She’ll also work with people interested in opening funds to align their goals with the Community Foundation’s priorities and connect with professional advisors to educate them on CFMV’s fund opportunities.
The role will also partner closely with other CFMV directors to ensure to ensure the work done by the Community Foundation keeps with the new strategic plan. Developed over the course of 2022 and 2023, the plan focuses on centering the people and organizations doing important work to improve the Mahoning Valley, as well as including community leaders in CFMV work.