HARTFORD, CT – September 2, 2015 – The Board of Trustees of The Fund for Greater Hartford has announced the appointment of Kimberley Russo as its new Executive Director. Russo succeeds Kate Miller, who retired after 15 years as Executive Director.
“The trustees are very excited about the wide variety of proven nonprofit and philanthropic skills and experiences Kim brings to The Fund and the communities we serve,” said Nina Elgo, President of the Board of Trustees. “She has the grant-making, strategic planning, community impact assessment and relationship-building expertise that we need. In addition, she has demonstrated a passion for and dedication to the nonprofit community throughout her career.”
Most recently, Russo served as Director of Community Investment, for United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, where she has been employed for more than 10 years. By engaging and coordinating the efforts of board members, community volunteers, donors, nonprofit organizations and other community partners, she has led the annual decision-making process for United Way’s financial investment in communities. Earlier in her career, Russo worked as a program manager for Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis and as a residential services coordinator for Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County in Rhode Island. She is a
member and most recent past Chair of the Connecticut After School Network Board of Directors and is chair of the Leadership Group of the Coalition for New Britain’s Youth. She received a Women in Leadership award from YWCA New Britain in spring 2015.
“I am honored to have been selected and look forward to bringing my extensive knowledge of and connections to local communities to the work of The Fund,” said Russo. “The first order of business will be to review the grant applications due on our regular deadline of September 15 and to make funding recommendations to the board. Over time, in partnership with the trustees, I expect to continue The Fund’s tradition of building strong relationships with nonprofit organizations, like-minded funders, and other community stakeholders. I have a strong passion for ensuring that the world is a better place, not only for my children but for all children.” Russo’s appointment is effective on September 8, 2015.
About The Fund for Greater Hartford
The Fund for Greater Hartford seeks to make a sustainable impact on the vitality of Connecticut’s capital region by being a catalyst for hope, inspiration and creativity and by improving the lives of its people, especially its children. The Fund awards grants to benefit children, youth and families in the areas of education, the arts, community development, and health and social services. Nonprofit organizations providing services in 32 towns in Hartford, Tolland and Middlesex counties are eligible to apply. In 2014, The Fund distributed $634,000 in grants to 82 programs.