JULY 10, 2013

Foothills Community Foundation taps Chris Winger as new President and CEO

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chris wingerSCOTTSDALE – The Foothills Community Foundation (FCF), a 501(c)3 umbrella organization supporting six cultural, education and community outreach programs in Scottsdale, Cave Creek and Carefree, announced the appointment of Chris Winger as president and CEO, effective full-time as of July 1, 2013.  A Cave Creek resident, Winger’s career spans more than 15 years in senior professional management of both private and non-profit organizations, including the fifteenth largest Rotary Club in North America based in Sacramento where she served as the club’s executive director.

In her new role with FCF, Winger will be responsible for managing and developing FCF staff and ensuring the continuity and growth of all FCF programs and activities, including:  the award winning Desert Foothills Theater; FCF scholarships and teacher grants and other educational support provided by Partners in Education; the popular Mind Quest lecture series; the important Desert Awareness programs; youth and family support through Caring Communities; and the many community based programs and activities for seniors, youth and families at the Holland Community Center.

FCF also announced the following leadership appointments for 2013-2014:

Karen Mackiewicz, a Scottsdale resident and current FCF executive director, will concurrently be moving into a new senior role of managing director of operations and community programs. 
 
Meribeth Reeves, a Carefree resident, will continue to serve as managing director of Desert Foothills Theater and also serve as an integral part of the new FCF management team.

John Arant, a Scottsdale resident, is the incoming chair of FCF. A former U.S. Naval Officer and Vietnam veteran, he joined the Board of FCF three years ago and has been active for many years in non-profit organizations serving children and seniors. 

Bert Castro, of North Scottsdale, will serve as FCF’s new vice chair.  The president and CEO of the Arizona Zoological Society/Phoenix Zoo since February 2008, he has been an active member of two national and one university boards.

“I am excited to join such a dynamic organization,” Winger said. “FCF is blessed to have the support of dedicated staff, members, volunteers, donors, program participants and an engaged Board of Directors and we look forward to continuing to provide the Foothills Community with high quality cultural, educational and community programs and services.”

For information, visit www.azfcf.org or call 480-488-1090.