Ellen Katz, President and CEO of Greater Cincinnati Foundation, to depart in June 2023
Cincinnati, OH (September 14, 2022) – Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) announced today that President and CEO Ellen Katz will be leaving the organization by June 2, 2023. Katz informed the organization’s Governing Board at today’s regularly scheduled meeting. She joined GCF in May 2015 and has led the organization through a period of tremendous growth in assets under management and positive impact on the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region.
Under Katz’s leadership, GCF’s assets under management has doubled since 2015. In 2021, GCF granted more than $125 million, a historical record representing a 65% growth in the last five years. The organization also made two largest investments in its history from the GCF Community Fund, including $1.8 million to UpTogether that pioneered a successful poverty reduction model and $5 million to Racial Justice Fund to combat racism and address racial disparities. In partnership with Cincinnati Development Fund, GCF created a platform for affordable housing investments, including the establishment of a loan pool that has raised $9 million against an initial goal of $5 million and supported the creation of more than 500 affordable units across seven neighborhoods.
According to Katz, “I am proud of GCF’s accomplishments during my tenure. Leading this remarkable organization has been an extraordinary opportunity. I am especially proud of the outstanding Board and staff we have assembled. Their passion for our community motivates me every day.
“For me, it is time to explore what’s possible for my next chapter. I was asked to serve at least seven to ten years when I started, and I will be leaving after eight years. We had a vision for what GCF could become under my leadership, and while there is so much more potential, I feel I’ve done what I set out to do. I know the future is bright for GCF to have even more impact. It is an exciting time for someone new to take the lead.
“In the next eight and a half months, I’ll be focused on ensuring that GCF is even more prepared for its next generation of impact. I will support the search for the next President and CEO in any way that is helpful to the organization. My departure provides an opportunity for a fresh perspective as GCF carries forward the mission, vision and strategy that the Board and staff have created together. I will be the foundation’s biggest cheerleader.”
At today’s Board meeting, George Vincent, Chair of the Governing Board, with Ellen van der Horst, Board Vice Chair, announced the Board’s decision to engage a professional search firm and undertake a national search that will welcome local candidates.
Vincent said, “Ellen’s contributions have been as significant as they are appreciated. We are deeply thankful. This is an exciting time for GCF. We have never been better positioned to attract the most talented and promising leadership to enable the organization to drive and enhance positive community impact.
“We embrace this transition as an opportunity to build on the strong foundation provided by Ellen and her team. We will use it to advance our mission as this region’s leading community foundation and expand our positive community impact. Over the next eight months, Ellen’s continued leadership, combined with a professionally administered selection process, will ensure a smooth and timely leadership transition.”
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About Greater Cincinnati Foundation
As the region’s leading community foundation, Greater Cincinnati Foundation connects people with purpose in an eight-county region in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. GCF is leading the charge toward a more vibrant and equitable Greater Cincinnati for everyone – now, and for generations to come.
Media Contact
Felicity Tao
Vice President, Marketing and Integration
513-768-6132
felicity.tao@gcfdn.org
