A Farewell to a Leader, and a Welcome to a New Era: Peninsula Community Foundation of Virginia Announces Transition
Hampton, VA – The Peninsula Community Foundation (PCF) at the end of this year will bid a fond farewell to CEO Michael Monteith, who has championed our Virginia Peninsula for over fourteen years. Mike's dedication began even before his 2010 appointment, as he served on the board and tirelessly advocated for the Peninsula's well-being for four decades. A proud alumnus of Newport News High School and Christopher Newport University, his roots run deep.
Looking Back on a Legacy of Impact
"Mike's leadership has been instrumental in PCF's remarkable growth and success," said Greg Lawson, Chair of the Board. "Under his vision, we've developed a model for community change, tackling complex issues from a holistic perspective."
Mike's approach transcended traditional methods. He spearheaded research, fostered partnerships, and implemented systemic solutions that delivered tangible results. This transformed the non-profit landscape, leaving a lasting philanthropic impact on our community.
Looking Back on a Legacy of Impact
"Mike's leadership has been instrumental in PCF's remarkable growth and success," said Greg Lawson, Chair of the Board. "Under his vision, we've developed a model for community change, tackling complex issues from a holistic perspective."
Mike's approach transcended traditional methods. He spearheaded research, fostered partnerships, and implemented systemic solutions that delivered tangible results. This transformed the non-profit landscape, leaving a lasting philanthropic impact on our community.
Highlights of Mike's Tenure:
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- In 2016 the Foundation’s report entitled “Building a Strong Foundation for Children” was published. The study explored the question… how can we ensure that every child starts school with the skills and experiences necessary to succeed? PCF's analysis identified a multitude of issues affecting healthy child development and the necessity of creating a system of support for our families and children. Then, in partnership with Newport News Shipbuilding, Ferguson Enterprises and the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation, PCF created a new investment fund committed to supporting programs that advanced child development on the Peninsula. The fund has subsequently committed over $500,000 in support of programs benefiting our 0-5 population.
- The Foundation regularly looks at the area’s quality of life using different lenses to try to understand the changing health of our many communities. Over the past eight years the Foundation has recorded the shifting demographics of our population. One issue it has written about is our aging neighborhoods. The age and deterioration of a growing number of neighborhoods has become a concern. The Foundation, in partnership with national experts and local government leaders have held numerous strategy meetings. These sessions in part led the City of Hampton to ask the Foundation to help design a plan for the revitalization of a community known as Olde Hampton. Partnering closely with the city and neighborhood leaders, the Foundation led a process that successfully designed and built a new neighborhood center and future new neighborhood development.
- This year the Foundation established a new focus on identifying and studying the issues most impacting our area. The Center for Community Research has been created in partnership with the six local governments on the Peninsula. Currently studying the impact of an aging population, the Center will become the most comprehensive source of data and analysis on issues affecting our quality of living.
- Over the past fourteen years, Mike and his team have created a trusted place for nearly 200 individuals, families, businesses and area governments who are committed to improving our quality of life. These community investors, in partnership with the Community Foundation, make more than $2 million in grants to local charities every year. The Foundation team works closely with its partners providing important information on changing community issues, successful programs that are making a difference, as well as estate planning and tax strategies.
- The Foundation to date is responsible for local quality of life projects totaling more than $36 million. The PCF team is especially proud of their role in starting and managing the biggest 24-hour giving event in Hampton Roads. Our Give Local 757 event has raised more than $12 million, all of which goes to help hundreds of nonprofits throughout Hampton Roads.
"It's been an honor to lead an organization that focuses on making a positive difference in the lives of people " shared Mike Monteith. "With the support of the PCF team and in partnership with so many caring investors and great nonprofits, we've built something very special. He expressed his confidence in the future, eager to see PCF's next chapter unfold.
Welcoming a New Leader to Build on the Legacy Following a comprehensive search, PCF is thrilled to announce Adelia Thompson as the incoming CEO, effective January 1, 2025. Adelia comes to the foundation from Christopher Newport University, and brings over 35 years of experience in leadership, advancement, and community engagement. Thompson joined the Christopher Newport family in 2011 as the Vice President for University Advancement to lead the institution’s very first comprehensive campaign, “Defining Significance.” Christopher Newport exceeded the campaign’s goal by over $20 million raising $66 million – a record for the young university. Most recently, she served as Christopher Newport University's Interim President, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex situations and lead effectively. Adelia's proven track record in fundraising and fostering collaboration positions her perfectly to propel PCF forward. |
Greg Lawson said, "Adelia's skills and vision perfectly align with PCF's mission."
Adelia Thompson added, "On Mike’s watch, PCF has forever changed life for the better for all of us in the Peninsula community. It will be a privilege to steward the legacy of compassionate leadership he has created. It is a true honor to follow him as the next chapter for the PCF begins. Mike is a shining example of the kind of graduates CNU sends out into the world, and I am very mindful I have big shoes to fill."
A Legacy of Service, a Future of Promise
The Foundation Board and it’s retiring CEO, Mike Monteith, have accomplished many things together. This has been a 21-year journey, devoted to improving the quality of life for everyone living and working on the Peninsula. Confident in the strong foundation that has been laid, we look forward to a future filled with continued success and innovation under the guidance of Adelia Thompson.
Adelia Thompson added, "On Mike’s watch, PCF has forever changed life for the better for all of us in the Peninsula community. It will be a privilege to steward the legacy of compassionate leadership he has created. It is a true honor to follow him as the next chapter for the PCF begins. Mike is a shining example of the kind of graduates CNU sends out into the world, and I am very mindful I have big shoes to fill."
A Legacy of Service, a Future of Promise
The Foundation Board and it’s retiring CEO, Mike Monteith, have accomplished many things together. This has been a 21-year journey, devoted to improving the quality of life for everyone living and working on the Peninsula. Confident in the strong foundation that has been laid, we look forward to a future filled with continued success and innovation under the guidance of Adelia Thompson.
Contact: Tammy Flynn, [email protected], 757-327-0862, www.pcfvirginia.org
For more information about establishing a fund, please contact [email protected]/757.327.0862