YOUNGSTOWN/WARREN, Ohio –The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley is excited to announce the promotion of two of its long-time staff members – Rachael Chacon, now senior director of operations and communication, and Sarah Lowry, now senior director of community impact.
“Rachael and Sarah have shared their skills and expertise with the Foundation for many years and have both contributed to our overall growth and strategic direction,” says Shari Harrell, who will retire as president of CFMV in spring of 2024. “We are lucky to have them as a part of our team and are excited to see them take on these new and more challenging roles.”
In addition to their tenure with and contributions to CFMV, the shifts in Chacon and Lowry’s roles are also in direct response to community needs and will allow the organization to better support local nonprofits and community residents.
“These promotions acknowledge work that each of these team members has already been doing as well as add responsibilities that support CFMV’s strategic direction and help make stronger connections to the community we serve,” says Casey Krell, incoming president of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley. “Sarah and Rachael will be integral to our efforts to move the Foundation forward in a strategic way while consistently responding to what community members tell us they need.”
Chacon and Lowry assumed their new roles at the beginning of November.
Rachael Chacon – Senior Director of Operations and Communication
Rachael Chacon has taken on increasing responsibility in CFMV’s operations over the past several years, including the creation and oversight of numerous organizational processes and procedures, as well as addressing CFMV’s growing technology needs. She is also skilled and experienced in the areas of messaging, design and media relations and directs the organization’s marketing and communication strategy.
In her new position, Chacon dedicates half of her time to leading the efficient performance and functions of the organization, which includes technology, human relations and facility management. The other half of her time is spent developing and implementing a communication strategy that builds and sustains awareness of the Foundation’s services and impact. Additionally, she’ll work to align communication efforts with the current strategic plan and the organization’s overall intended impact.
Chacon has been with the Community Foundation since 2016. In her most recent role as development and marketing director, she supported the president in fund development work and led the Foundation’s marketing and communication strategy. Before coming to CFMV, Chacon served in various roles at Beatitude House, a local housing organization for families experiencing homelessness.
Sarah Lowry – Senior Director of Community Impact
Sarah Lowry has consistently demonstrated the ability to cultivate strong, diverse relationships and create actionable strategies for some of the Valley’s most complex issues. As director of the Healthy Community Partnership, a cross-sector collaborative aimed at addressing the region’s poor health outcomes, Lowry led the creation of a common agenda and evaluation framework, cultivated active and diverse stakeholder participation and built strong, effective steering committee and action teams.
Lowry’s new position was designed to include her continued support of the Partnership while enhancing CFMV’s commitment to strategic grant investments, community leadership and advocacy. Lowry now leads the development and implementation of informed, strategic grantmaking and community leadership initiatives at the Community Foundation. Working with staff, board and community members, Lowry will align deployment of grant assets and staff capacity with the Foundation’s mission and intended impact.
Lowry was the director of the Healthy Community Partnership for the past five and a half years, and prior to joining the Foundation, served as Northeast Ohio Regional Representative for U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown.
Staff Opening at CFMV
As a part of the organization’s internal realignment, the Community Foundation is also seeking a strong relationship builder to join the team as philanthropic services director. This position will be responsible for implementing proactive and innovative fund development and improving services to current fund holders. The job posting and full job description can be found at cfmv.org/career-opportunities.
The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley is a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents. The Community Foundation is the only local foundation with certification from the Community Foundation National Standards Board.
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