Bronx Community Foundation
Matching a new New York City community-based foundation with its first President and CEO.
Landscape/challenges
The Bronx Community Foundation is the first and only Community Foundation dedicated to delivering much-needed resources to organizations, businesses, and residents of The Bronx, New York. The Foundation focuses on five pillars of sustainability: Community, Health (including food insecurity), Economic Security, Equity & Justice, and Digital Equity. As a brand-new organization (born just after the start of the Coronavirus epidemic) with big and challenging goals, it was critically important to find a new CEO with an extraordinary track record delivering results. The Foundation needed someone who really understands New York City, is committed to The Bronx, and can dream big with the founders.
Process
During the Discovery phase of our four-step Executive Search process, our talent experts dove exceptionally deep into the community so we could understand the needs of all stakeholders involved. We collaborated with community partners, founding board members, government officials, local community businesses, and residents. Our candidate outreach was very comprehensive – we sent out surveys and did interviews far and wide to locate a leader with the vision, experience, and local knowledge to successfully drive the Foundation’s mission forward.
Results
DRG talent consulting experts ultimately placed Dr. Meisha Porter as the new President and CEO of The Bronx Community Foundation. Dr. Porter uniquely understands the Bronx, having started her career as a youth organizer in the borough. She was involved with the foundation of the Bronx School for Law, Government, and Justice serving in a variety of positions, including community associate, teacher, assistant principal, and as the principal. Immediately prior to taking over The Bronx Community Foundation, Dr. Porter served as New York City Schools Chancellor under Mayor Bill DeBlasio.
