GAINESVILLE — Jim Mathis, the president and CEO of the North Georgia Community Foundation, is retiring.
However, he will remain with the foundation until December 2016 to mentor his successor and spearhead a major campaign to raise funds to support the NGCF’s initiatives.
“Under Jim’s leadership, the foundation has enjoyed tremendous success in growing its investment portfolio and providing philanthropic opportunities,” said Strother Randolph, chairman of the North Georgia Community Foundation board of directors. “Jim is a strong leader, a visionary, and has guided the organization in an exemplary manner.”
Today the foundation has philanthropic assets of nearly $50 million as well as $174 million in assets under management. NGCF has made over $50 million in grants and scholarships since its founding in 1985.
Mathis has served as president and CEO since 1998. Under his leadership, NGCF became the first foundation in Georgia to achieve the National Standards for US Community Foundations, based on accountability, transparency and continuous self-improvement. The organization was recertified in 2011.
“It has been my honor to work with our staff, board and donors for the past 17 years to build a firm foundation for North Georgia Community Foundation,” said Mathis. “Creating legacies through philanthropy is at the heart of what we do – something that was my passion even before it was my profession. I look forward to following the continued success of the Community Foundation as it grows and furthers its impact in our community.”
The NGCF board has formed a search committee led by board chair-elect Daren Wayne. Joining Wayne on the committee are Jim Mathis, Strother Randolph, Rick Asbill, Lynda Askew, Tim Darrah, Shane Gaddy, James McCoy and Mary Hart Wilheit. The committee has engaged The Chason Group to assist in the search for its new executive.
“The search committee will be conducting a thorough and extensive search for the new president/CEO,” Wayne said. “We hope to attract candidates from a wide range of backgrounds with proven leadership experience, communication skills, financial expertise, vision and character. Most importantly, we are looking for someone whose exceptional credentials and capabilities are matched by their passion for serving the community.”
