FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Kate Zielsdorf,
Communications and Program Associate
Phone: (484) 356-0940
E-mail: katherine@ccfwg.org
Outgoing Executive Director Susan Mostek to be Honored at Grants Celebration on June 14th
(West Chester) June 10, 2016 — Susan Mostek, Executive Director of the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls (the Fund), announced she will step down from her position in June. “The Fund has been better for having Susan,” says Board Chair, Mary Lou Sterge. The Fund will continue the momentum that began under Ms. Mostek’s leadership, vision and steady guidance. Ms. Mostek’s tireless efforts have led the Fund to build greater awareness, forge new collaborations and make a community-wide impact as to strengthen the physical well-being, safety and economic security of women, girls and their families in Chester County. A transition committee and search team made up of board members and community leaders is overseeing the selection of a new executive director.
Ms. Mostek’s accomplishments during her tenure are many; initiating a 3 year Strategic Plan that positions the Fund to be bold and innovative and to have a voice regarding women’s issues in our community. The plan also led to a renewed mission to “lead and unite the community through philanthropy and advocacy to ensure that women and girls have resources and opportunities to thrive.” The Fund’s grants policy changed with the Strategic Plan to not only support community need but to also be proactive in terms of addressing women’s issues in Chester County. The Fund also commissioned the update to the Blueprint Report; which provides critical data across seven areas and also presents steps forward to leverage progress already made in these areas.
Under Ms. Mostek’s leadership, the Fund was named the 2015 Mosteller Community Service Award Winner, an annual award presented by the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce that recognizes organizations who have provided exemplary community service and who have made a positive impact and significant contributions to our communities. The Girls Advisory Board (GAB) received the Activating Leadership Grant for Women & Girls from EILEEN FISHER. The Activating Leadership grant has a focus on Achieving Personal Transformation. GAB was awarded $10,000 and the support from EILEEN FISHER proved instrumental in providing the financial resources needed to ensure the 2015 class of GAB curriculum aligned with the Fund’s strategic plan.
We look forward to recognizing Ms. Mostek’s accomplishments at the upcoming Grants Celebration on Tuesday, June 14th from 5 PM to 7 PM at The Gables at Chadds Ford. The essential work of the 23 agencies who received $255,000 in Fund grants this year who work every day to better the lives of women and girls in our communities will be honored. The event is open to all Chester County agencies and the public. The Gables is offering a prix fixe dinner following the program. Call (610) 388-7700 for more information and to make reservations. To attend our June 14th Grants Celebration, please contact Kate Zielsdorf at katherine@ccfwg.org.
The Fund also wishes to thank outgoing Board Members: Ann Moss, Amanda Ryland, Nancy McLelland, Jennifer Byrne and Jane MacElree. Their thoughtful leadership allowed the Fund to learn and grow. We thank them for their dedication to improving the lives of women and girls in Chester County.
The Chester County Fund for Women and Girls leads and unites the community through philanthropy and advocacy to ensure that women and girls have resources and opportunities to thrive. For more than 18 years, the Fund has raised awareness about the critical needs of women and girls, and has awarded over $2 million to 65 non-profit organizations. To learn more about the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls, visit www.ccfwg.org.