Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) has announced the appointment of Laura Washington as its next president and CEO, effective Feb. 1.
Washington most recently served as chief communications officer and vice president for strategic partnerships at the New-York Historical Society. Prior to that, she held a senior leadership role at the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, where she established and led the organization’s inaugural communications function. She replaces Sally J. Cross, who stepped down from the leadership position at the Poughkeepsie-based foundation last May.
“The entire board of trustees congratulates Laura and looks forward to her professional leadership, especially in light of our desire to expand CFHV’s community impact throughout the Hudson Valley,” said Charles “Chip” Simon, chairman of the CFHV board of trustees. “We were immediately impressed with her background in strategic planning, communications, and successful grant campaigns. When we considered that she’s also a graduate of Vassar College, we knew she was the perfect match to serve our board, staff, and community partners.”
