Mary Black Foundation President and CEO Kathy Dunleavy to retire
February 26, 2018
The Mary Black Foundation announced that President/CEO Kathy Dunleavy will retire on June 29th of this year.
Foundation board chair Tony Fisher said, “Kathy’s leadership has helped the Mary Black Foundation build upon its wonderful legacy to improve health and wellness for the people and communities of Spartanburg County. The board of trustees challenged her five years ago to guide the Foundation into a more pro-active, innovative, and creative organization. She has accomplished that and the culture that has been created has moved the Foundation into a leadership role locally and has created national recognition. On behalf of the trustees, we’d like to convey our deepest appreciation for her service to the Foundation.”
Kathy began her service to the Foundation in 2013. Her commitment to the Spartanburg community has a long tenure. She served as President/CEO of the United Way of the Piedmont for 8 years and was a banker with First Federal Bank for over 15 years. Kathy currently serves on the board of Spartanburg Regional Health System, Spartanburg Academic Movement, and BB&T Advisory Board. She has received numerous honors including the Order of the Palmetto presented to her by Governor Nikki Haley, the Neville Holcombe Distinguished Citizen Award by the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Humanitarian of the Year from the Urban League of the Upstate.
During her tenure, Mary Black Foundation took the lead in a community effort and was named one of five communities across the country in The Way to Wellville Challenge. “This has been a game changer for our community,” stated Kathy. “This ten year challenge has helped all of us think differently about community change. We have become more innovative and really understand how to work across the various sectors. And, we are all at the table working to move the needle – including USC Upstate, Spartanburg Regional, and the City of Spartanburg. We are very proud of the work being done.”
“Health equity has also been a key focus in Kathy’s efforts,” stated Mr. Fisher. “She has worked with the trustees, staff, and community partners around the social determinants of health and the importance of using a health equity lens on all of our grant making and community work.”
Mr. Fisher announced there would be an internal search conducted through March 30th, and, if a selection is not made, a national search will ensue.
The Mary Black Foundation is an independent private foundation. Since 1996, it has awarded more than $50 million to improve the health and wellness of the people and communities of Spartanburg County. Additional information about the Foundation is available at www.maryblackfoundation.org.
