The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley Board of Directors introduced Julie Christman as its third president and CEO. Christman, who previously served as CFFRV’s vice president of community involvement and partnerships, assumed the role after a unanimous board vote earlier in the week.
Christman joined the CFFRV team in 2015. Over the last five years, she managed the scholarship, grantmaking, and communications of the organization; developed the Youth Engagement in Philanthropy program; represented the Foundation in the community on various committees and task forces; and assisted individuals and groups in developing funds at the Foundation to meet their philanthropic objectives. In March 2019, she received a Woman of Power Award from the Quad County Urban League.
Prior to her work at CFFRV, Christman was employed at the Illinois Math and Science Academy. As IMSA’s foundation and corporate relations manager, she managed grants and built relationships with corporate and foundation partners. She taught as an adjunct professor at Aurora University.
CFFRV closed out 2019 with more than $100 Million in assets, a milestone for the organization. John Diederich, CFFRV’s Board chairman and president and CEO of Rush Copley Medical Center, said he is excited to celebrate this next milestone as Christman continues to promote the organization’s values of service, partnerships and community engagement, visibility, and growth.
“Throughout each step of the presidential search process, Julie kept rising to the top as someone who excels at forming meaningful connections in our community,” said Diederich. “This was definitely a position well-earned and Julie is ready to lead us.”
As president and CEO, Christman will plan, organize, and exercise control over all operations of CFFRV. It will include acting as steward of the CFFRV; demonstrating strategic leadership; and overseeing the organization’s management, operations, and communications. Christman holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from St. Louis University and Washington University in St. Louis, respectively.
Christman has treasured the relationships she has built with constituents over the years and looks forward to furthering the organization’s mission and vision in her new role.
“It truly is an honor to lead this great organization.” Christman said. “It is a privilege to serve this Board of Directors and our longstanding donors who have and continue to support the Foundation with their time, talent, and treasure, and with a team that is dedicated and committed to our mission. We will do wonderful things together.”
—The Community Foundation