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Dear TFN members, partners and friends -
For the past five years, I’ve had the profound honor of leading this extraordinary network as president and CEO. Therefore, it’s with no small amount of soul-searching that I’ve decided to retire in December 2023.
This is a bittersweet decision, but one I made with the full confidence that TFN will continue as a robust and resilient organization laser-focused on its critical mission to help guide, support and inspire our network of funders — leveraging philanthropy’s unique potential to help create communities and regions that are sustainable, prosperous and just for all people.
I’m working with TFN’s leadership and Board of Directors to ensure a smooth transition and equitable selection process. The board, under the leadership of Chairperson Don Hickman, recently issued a targeted RFP for an executive search firm to help with the recruitment and selection of candidates. Don will share additional details about the position and selection process in the coming weeks. (If you have any questions in the meantime about our leadership transition, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Don at DHickman@ifound.org.)
As I shared with my amazing TFN team, I can’t believe it’s been five years since I joined this incredible and impactful network of funders. I am truly proud of the work we have achieved together in those ensuing years, notably deepening and expanding on the network’s cross-cutting and foundational commitment to questioning, challenging and confronting systemic racial inequities and injustices.
I’m looking forward to this next chapter, one that will allow me to follow my passion for sailing and traveling with my partner, Elbert, and dive into other pursuits — such as consulting, volunteer and advocacy work.
But in the meantime, I remain committed to working, learning and sharing alongside the talented and passionate people that make TFN such a marvelous network.
I’ll save my proper goodbyes for December, but I want to take a moment to thank TFN’s Board of Directors and our team of staff and consultants for their dedication, time and talents.
And to thank you, our community of funders and partners, for bringing such joyful purpose to our work.
In solidarity,
Pat Smith
President & CEO
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