Hartford, CT – The Connecticut Council for Philanthropy (CCP) today announced the election of two new members to the organization’s Board of Directors effective on July 1, 2021.
Hamden resident Alexis Bivens joins the CCP board as program director for the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation where she leads the environment and learning differences work. In this role, Bivens leverages her deep experience in collective action, philanthropy, and nonprofit management to facilitate strategy development and grantmaking guided by an ecosystem approach. Prior to joining the Tremaine Foundation, she served as the Director of Thrive by 25 at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.
“As I get closer to the decade mark in philanthropy, joining the CCP Board feels like a full-circle moment,” said Bivens. “CCP has been my learning lab for testing innovative field-building ideas in Connecticut and philanthropy. My favorite part is the process to co-create actionable solutions. I can link it back to the expansive CCP network and thoughtful care over the years to support individual foundations and their leaders. I am thrilled to contribute to the next phase of work.”
Elysa Gordon, from West Hartford, joins the board as vice president of community impact for the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Gordon joined the Foundation staff in 2014 and sits on the Executive Leadership team, leading strategy development, research and evaluation, public policy, and HFPG Impact! Greater Hartford, the Foundation’s impact investing subsidiary. Gordon’s career has focused on collaborative national and statewide efforts to advance opportunities for children impacted by the child welfare and justice systems.
“It is an honor to join the CT Council on Philanthropy’s board of directors,” said Gordon. “CCP plays an essential role in Connecticut by strengthening philanthropy’s impact and partnering with nonprofit and public leaders on issues critical to communities across the state. I look forward to working alongside Karla, the CCP staff, and the CCP Board members to support CCP’s vision to advance equity in Connecticut philanthropy and statewide.”
Elaine V. Mintz, chief operating officer at Fairfield County's Community Foundation, continues to serve as CCP’s board chair and is excited to welcome both Gordon and Bivens to the Board of Directors.
“CCP is fortunate to be guided by a diverse group of talented and caring individuals who are committed to advancing CCP’s mission to organize, inspire, and equip our funding community to learn, collaborate, and lead together for sustained impact and social change. “We are honored to welcome Alexis and Elysa to the Board and are grateful for their willingness to serve.”
"These new board members bring extensive experience, diverse perspectives, and valuable expertise to our leadership. I look forward to working with our board and the CCP membership to support Connecticut philanthropy and the communities we serve," said CCP's President Karla Fortunato. "We extend our deepest thanks to our two outgoing board members Francis Padilla and Kelly Giordano.”
Information on CCP's newly elected board members and board leadership may be found here.
About the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy
The Connecticut Council for Philanthropy, the state’s association of grantmakers, promotes and supports effective philanthropy for the public good. CCP membership includes foundations, business and corporate giving programs, individual philanthropists, and those serving the philanthropic sector. CCP members annually grant more than $1.3 billion from assets of more than $9.5 billion. Learn more at www.CTphilanthropy.org.
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Contact:
Sarah Fox
Communications Manager
Connecticut Council for Philanthropy
860-525-5585
sfox@CTphilanthropy.org