Executive Director

Executive Summary

In just a few short years, the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia has become one of the most impactful and influential philanthropies in the region. As the founding Executive Director has announced his intention to retire by year-end 2026, the Board of Directors has launched the search for a successor who can build on the exceptional progress made in the foundation’s early years to enhance the health and wellbeing of residents across Washington, Grayson, Russell, and Smyth counties.

The next Executive Director will build on the legacy of deeply respected leadership and a strong, committed staff. The new Executive Director will combine vision with disciplined execution, setting direction while ensuring that strategy is translated into action with clarity and follow‑through. This role calls for a grounded and values‑driven leader. The Executive Director will be a visible and trusted presence in Southwest Virginia, engaging authentically with communities and partners.

They will bring integrity, humility, and sound judgment, and will prioritize relationships, both externally and within the organization, as the foundation for sustained and transformational impact.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will provide overall leadership and management of the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia. The Foundation represents a significant long‑term investment in Southwest Virginia and is positioned to influence systems, not just support individual initiatives. Its approach centers on understanding community needs, convening partners, and aligning resources to create durable solutions. This includes planning efforts, cross‑sector collaboration, and targeted initiatives that build momentum over time.

Investments demonstrate understanding of complex issues at a systemic level, such as developing truly creative solutions for housing as a foundational consideration for all the Foundation’s impact areas.

The next Executive Director must be a person of integrity, who appreciates the challenges facing rural communities and who demonstrates a forward‑looking and visionary perspective grounded in practical execution.

• Exceptional integrity, sound judgment, and ethical leadership
• A genuine, humble leadership style with the ability to build trust across communities, engage diverse stakeholders, and foster collaboration
• Commitment to supporting staff as whole people and fostering a collaborative work environment with respect for work/life balance
• Strong management and operational skills including leading teams and building organization effectiveness with tools, systems, and processes
• Understanding of Southwest Virginia specifically or rural communities broadly and their unique dynamics; ability to truly become part of the community and understand its needs
• Ability to consider immediate and long‑term implications for complicated and transformational initiatives during times of planning and growth
• Financial acumen relevant to overseeing sophisticated, multi‑pronged organizational budgets and resource allocation, with an understanding of the importance of long‑term, financial sustainability
• Experience working with nonprofits including board‑level engagement