As I gear up to start my new adventure as MCF’s new leader, I am humbled by the support I’ve received thus far – even before my official start date of August 24. And I can see I have been given a gift; one beyond measure: the opportunity to make the community where I live, work, and play, a better place.

MCF is unique in many ways. It is the only community foundation in our county, and it is one of the only local foundations in the region built from a grass-roots efforts led by local trailblazers who created a true collaborative partnership to birth the organization. We were not born with a large endowment, or single private gift, but the love, and aspiration for a better tomorrow.

And since, we grew, and this year we celebrate our 25th anniversary. And as any young 25-year old would, we are ready to spread our wings and fly! And we can only do that on the shoulders of the visionaries who came before us: Dot Ridings, Bob Blalock, Bob Christopher, and Bob Beall, Marilyn Howard, Susie Bowie and so many more. 

This spirit of collaboration, which remains one of our core values, is one of the things that attracted me to MCF. As one of my mentors used to say, Philanthropy is a team sport. We must each commit to each other, set our pride and ego aside, and work together to be the change we want to see in the world.

I come to you eager to learn, respect and honor MCF traditions, and challenge ourselves to reach new heights as well. I am humbled by opportunity to help transform our community, and hope you will join us to do just that, together. 

As one of my favorite saying goes, if you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.

With deep gratitude,

Veronica Thames