Denise Spencer Announces Her Retirement from Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

Denise Spencer, President and CEO of Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, has announced her intention to retire at the end of this fiscal year, June 2019.

Under Spencer ’s leadership, the Community Foundation has more than doubled its combined assets to over $72 million. The number of component funds served by the Community Foundation has grown to 350 and grants/scholarships made since 1994 now total $71 million. During Spencer ’s 12-year tenure the Community Foundation ’s impact in strengthening local nonprofits and communities has continued to grow. She was instrumental in developing the partnership to give all Hilton Head residents access to public sewer (Project SAFE initiative). Additionally, under her leadership, the Community Foundation has successfully navigated a biennial public art exhibition, responded to two hurricanes in two years with immediacy and efficiency, and leveraged collaborations to increase positive impact in the community. All of this has resulted in Community Foundation of the Lowcountry becoming an anchor institution in our region, serving hundreds of nonprofit organizations and donors.

“Denise has always believed that ‘service is at the heart of a strong community ’, ” said John Weymouth, former board chair of the Community Foundation. “She seeks tirelessly to improve the lives of those less fortunate and has taken the Community Foundation to another level during her tenure. ”

To build upon the expertise and high service levels the Community Foundation already provides, a national search will be conducted for a new CEO.

“Community Foundation of the Lowcountry will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2019, ” said current board chair Jim Allhusen. “We look forward to it also being a year in which we celebrate Denise ’s many accomplishments and in which we welcome a new CEO who will build upon that success. ”

Click here to read Spencer ’s letter to the community.