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more information, please contact:
Chris Langer, Vice President of Marketing and Communications (612) 672-3832, clanger@mplsfoundation.org |
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Emmett Carson to Leave The Minneapolis Foundation |
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Emmett Carson Named CEO of Merged Peninsula Community Foundation Minneapolis, MN, August 2, 2006 – Emmett D. Carson, President and CEO of The Minneapolis Foundation has been named President and CEO of the new Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF), created by the recent merger of two of the Bay Area's largest foundations, Peninsula Community Foundation and Community Foundation Silicon Valley. Dr. Carson was selected by the SVCF's board of directors after a nationwide search. After a transition period, he will assume his duties on November 1. “The Twin Cities community has a great philanthropic tradition and The Minneapolis Foundation is testament to it,” said Carson. “I'm proud of our accomplishments, and am very grateful for having had the opportunity to serve here. At the same time, the opportunity to work in an area of the country that is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, and has tremendous interest in developing a new philanthropic tradition, provides an exciting opportunity. I expect that the Silicon Valley can benefit from what the Twin Cities region has pioneered.” Steve Roszell, Chair of TMF's Board of Trustees said, “While this news may be unexpected to some in the community, and will certainly be a loss, it is a unique opportunity for Emmett to continue his innovative leadership and work for the benefit of the communities he is joining. We have an outstanding Board of community leaders, an excellent, expert staff in place, and have just developed a strategic plan that will carry our shared vision forward for the next several years. I'm confident that this institution, which is an asset and a solid leader in this community, will continue in this 90-year tradition, and will continue to fulfill the Foundation's mission of serving this community.” Greg Avis, chair of Community Foundation Silicon Valley and the new foundation's board chair, said, “Emmett's track record in Minneapolis indicates he is exactly whom we need to build the new community foundation. He knows how to direct a complex organization and lead initiatives, and has run a community foundation that is similar in size and structure to both Peninsula Community Foundation and Community Foundation Silicon Valley.” Carson has been in his current position since 1994. During his tenure, The Minneapolis Foundation more than tripled its assets from $186 million to more than $650 million, increased number and amount of its grants, typically $40 million annually, and expanded its service area statewide. It also developed the Nonprofits Assistance Fund which provides loans and consulting services to nonprofit organizations nationwide. TMF is acknowledged as one of the nation's leading community foundations by virtue of its community leadership and advocacy programs, grantmaking initiatives, and donor and philanthropic services. It has conducted award-winning public information campaigns addressing community issues such as diversity and racial equality, immigration, and state funding for essential services to underserved populations, among others. The Foundation also has conducted statewide convenings on a wide variety of issues, most notably, Minnesota Meeting which, now in its third season under the aegis of the Foundation, is tackling racial disparities. Carson is an outspoken proponent for ethics and accountability in the philanthropic field. TMF is the first foundation in Minnesota to meet recently established standards for certification by the Council on Foundations. Carson is a nationally recognized leader in the field of philanthropy, is an outspoken writer on persistent and emerging issues affecting the local community, frequently speaks to and advises community foundations nationally and internationally, and is also a scholar and expert on Black philanthropy. He has repeatedly been named by Non-Profit Times in its annual list as one of the Top 50 most influential nonprofit leaders in the nation, and is the immediate past chair of the national Council of Foundations. He serves locally on the Boards of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota and the Minneapolis Downtown Council, and is on the Advisory Committee of The Humphrey Institute for Public Policy. He also serves as a Board Chair of the Southern Education Foundation, and is on the Board of Advisors of The Pew Partnership for Civic Change. Carson, 46, received his Ph.D. and M.P.A. degrees in public and international affairs from Princeton University and his Bachelor's degree in economics from Morehouse College. He is married, with a teenage daughter. About The Minneapolis Foundation Established in 1915, The Minneapolis Foundation is one of the nation's oldest and largest community foundations. It manages $640 million in assets, administers more than 800 charitable funds and distributes approximately $40 million in grants each year. As a center for philanthropy, the Foundation partners with a variety of communities and institutions and offers its expertise to individuals, businesses and other foundations to improve the quality of life in the region. For more information, visit www.MinneapolisFoundation.org About The Silicon Valley Community Foundation Established in 1954, Community Foundation Silicon Valley manages more than 650 charitable funds with total assets of $919 million. Peninsula Community Foundation was established in 1964 and manages assets of $612 million, including more than 750 charitable funds and a $125 million endow ment. The newly integrated foundation would be among the largest community foundations in the nation, with more than $1.5 billion in assets under management and 1,400 philanthropic funds. # # # Photo available upon request For more information about the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, please contact:
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