Carrie Summy
Philanthropic Leader
River Forest,IL
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation, excelling in strategic visioning and community stakeholder engagement. Successfully managed over $90 million in assets, reshaped organizational structure, and cultivated 300+ relationships, driving innovative fundraising efforts that attracted new donors and enhanced community impact.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation
04.2025 - Current
- Stepped up into leadership role while preserving continuity in previous functions; enhanced and implemented strategic plans while overseeing over $90 million in charitable assets and ensuring uninterrupted daily operations.
- Reshaped organizational structure; hired personnel and established a team culture of innovation, creativity and accountability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with internal and external partners to increase transparency of operations, foster collaboration, and attract additional resources; recruited and onboarded X new board members.
- Created and led new fundraising efforts; gained X% new donors in three months.
- Provided organizational & stakeholder stability and introduced positive change in a period of transition.
Director of External Affairs
Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation
07.2024 - 03.2025
- Served as a spokesperson and ambassador for the organization, representing its interests at philanthropic industry conferences and events, community events, and other public-facing engagements.
- Oversaw team of communications and media relations contractors and development associate; co-created and led all internal and external communications, including marketing materials, speeches, development activities, social media, branding and other messaging strategies.
- Managed and cultivated 300 unique relationships with civic leaders, nonprofit leaders, donors, fundholders, professional advisors, and other community stakeholders.
Philanthropic Advisor
Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation
10.2019 - 07.2024
- Managed portfolio of over 200 funds representing $X in assets; brought in $X in new fundholder business
- Quickly pivoted to lead all fundraising communications to garner over $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds, a first in organizational history.
- Played key role and provided leadership in organization's strategic plans, including enhancement of vision and mission to expand geographical service area and emphasis on racial equity.
- Co-created a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative data report on regional community needs with program department and communications team.
Program and Development Coordinator
Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation
08.2016 - 10.2019
- Revitalized, rebranded and executed local leadership program, including curriculum development, and recruiting, vetting, and maintaining relationships with annual cohorts, speakers, coaches, community partners, and sponsors; led and supported 75 community leader participants.
- Created and managed a community leader alumni circle and corresponding endowment fund, garnering $60 thousand in initial donations.
- Provided specialized philanthropic services for top tier donors and collective giving groups.
- Leveraged life experience bootstrapping a new grassroots philanthropic organization to inject passion & energy into new program development.
Founder
The Neighborhood Giving Project
09.2009 - 06.2017
- Creator and leader of a volunteer-run, 501(c)(3) community service organization that provided school-aged children hands-on, project-based, educational service activities and events; efforts benefited local social impact organizations, and supported volunteerism and service-learning curriculum initiatives for children.
- Sought and sustained partnerships with nonprofit community leaders, vetted and recruited a board of directors, pursued and received tax exempt status.
- Coordinated and managed all operations: volunteer staff, budget management and fundraising, and writing and maintaining all marketing communications including an email database, website, and press releases.
- Recipient of "Excellence in Philanthropy" award, 2015.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Madison, WI 05.2001 -
Skills
Servant leadership
Strategic visioning and planning
Stakeholder engagement
Program development
Disciplined budget management
Contractor and team development
Targeted marketing and communications
Fundraising and donor stewardship
Trusted advisor
Creative, innovative partner
Timeline
Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation
04.2025 - Current
Director of External Affairs
Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation
07.2024 - 03.2025
Philanthropic Advisor
Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation
10.2019 - 07.2024
Program and Development Coordinator
Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation
08.2016 - 10.2019
Founder
The Neighborhood Giving Project
09.2009 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Wisconsin, Madison
05.2001 -
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