JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. — The Community Foundation for South Central New York (CFSCNY) will undergo a planned change in leadership at the end of June.

After 17 years of service, Diane Brown, the foundation’s executive director recently announced she will retire, effective June 30. The foundation’s board of directors has appointed Tina Barber as the next CFSCNY executive director.

“Diane is highly regarded and respected among her staff, the Board of Directors and other Foundation volunteers, community leaders, politicians, donors and community members. Through her leadership, the Foundation has made positive and lasting change in our community and she will have a positive and lasting legacy as a caring change-maker as a result of her efforts,” Whitney Racketa, CFSCNY board chair, said in a late February news release.

Although she will miss her co-workers and board members, Brown says she is excited to start a new chapter while still connecting with the local community, but now, solely as a volunteer.

“I look forward to travel, initially to the Canadian Maritimes, always the Adirondacks, and eventually across the U.S. and Canada. I also plan to volunteer where I can be of service, and at the same time enjoy retirement. I have spent nearly 50 years in public service; it would be a challenge to just leave it behind, and I don’t intend to,” Brown said.

Brown notified the foundation board of her plans in October 2022, allowing for ample time to prepare for her departure and name her successor. 

Barber has been with CFSCNY since 2010 and currently serves as a program officer. She will continue working closely with Brown leading up to the change in leadership, to ensure it goes smoothly, the foundation said.

The Community Foundation for South Central New York, a nonprofit organization founded in 1997 and headquartered in Johnson City, says it encourages and facilitates personal and institutional philanthropy throughout the region. From its $38 million endowment, the foundation has awarded more than $24 million in grants from 149 funds, to the area’s nonprofits to help address community concerns and improve the quality of life in the region. CFSCNY serves donors and nonprofits in five Southern Tier counties: Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, and Tioga.