Philanthropy Northwest's board of directors, representing the range of foundation, family and corporate giving in our six-state region, welcomes two new members today, chosen through the first open nomination process in our 39-year history:
C’Ardiss "CC" Gardner Gleser, Charlotte Martin Foundation
C'Ardiss works in alumni affairs at Rainier Scholars, a Seattle-based nonprofit that supports and cultivates the academic potential of scholars of color from sixth grade through college graduation. She spent many years in software as an engineer and project manager, prior to returning to school and transitioning to a career in nonprofit education. She is passionate about improving educational opportunities and outcomes for students of color, working with organizations focused on education, access and mentorship. C’Ardiss is heavily involved in her local community; she serves on the board of the Charlotte Martin Foundation, a private foundation focused on increasing opportunities for youth. She also serves as a partner with Social Venture Partners, where she has served on the education and environmental grants committee, as well as Social Venture Kids project. She is the national president of the Yale Black Alumni Association and a member of the Association of Yale Alumni’s Board of Governors. C’Ardiss received her bachelor's degree in African American studies from Yale College and a master's degree in education administration from Seattle University. She lives in Seattle with her husband and three children.
Mary Rutherford, Montana Community Foundation
As CEO, Mary leads the Montana Community Foundation in its mission of cultivating a culture of giving so Montana communities can flourish. Joining the foundation in 2014, Mary has nearly 20 years of philanthropic leadership experience in Idaho and Alaska. A fifth-generation Idahoan, Mary earned a master’s degree in philanthropic studies from Indiana University and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. A certified fundraising executive, Mary has served as the president of the University of Alaska Foundation and chief development officer for the University of Alaska System. During her nine-year tenure, she shaped the organization’s focus on meeting national best practices. Mary’s unwavering focus on excellence paid particular attention to stewardship and organizational governance. With a belief that philanthropy can empower individuals to transform society, Mary’s work at the foundation highlights the importance of local and community impact.
Our 24-member board also elected officers for 2016:
- Chair: David Bley, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Vice Chair of Board Operations: Kevin Walker, Northwest Area Foundation
- Vice Chair of Programs: Mauri Ingram, Whatcom Community Foundation
- Treasurer: Jock Edwards, Sherwood Trust
- Secretary: Luz Vega-Marquis, Marguerite Casey Foundation
"It's certainly a joy to work with a remarkable board and staff in a region that uniquely blends tradition and innovation, community and place, continuity and change," said Jeff Clarke, Philanthropy Northwest CEO. "We look forward to celebrating our 40th anniversary in 2016 and continuing to advance the field of philanthropy together."
