Press release via The Sarah Ralston Foundation
The Sarah Ralston Foundation (SRF) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Heather Finnegan as its new Executive Director, marking an exciting new chapter in the organization’s 200+ year history. Heather joins SRF with extensive experience in philanthropy, capacity building, and strategic leadership, bringing a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role.
This transition follows the retirement of Lynette Killen, who served SRF with dedication and vision. Under Lynette’s leadership, the Foundation solidified its focus on Aging Services, funding impactful programs to meet the needs of vulnerable older adults across Philadelphia. We are deeply grateful for Lynette’s contributions and invite you to read more about her legacy here.
A Thoughtful and Inclusive Search Process
Heather’s appointment comes after an extensive and professional search process led by the highly regarded executive search firm Bridge Partners. The SRF Board worked diligently to identify a candidate who aligned with the Foundation’s mission and vision for the future. Board President Ben Hoyle emphasized, “For any organization, one of the most important tasks of its Board of Directors is to choose its chief executive. Selecting a good executive search firm to partner with us in this work is an important first step.”
Bridge Partners guided the Search Committee through every step of the process, developing a candidate pool and conducting initial interviews. The Committee prioritized finding someone with experience in Aging Services, a deep understanding of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods and culture, and a commitment to DEIA principles. “We felt it was important for our Executive Director to not only understand the needs of Philadelphia’s elderly residents but also to have the skills to build trusting relationships with our grantee partners,” Hoyle said.
From the outset, Heather Finnegan stood out as a compelling candidate. Her tenure at The Community’s Foundation demonstrated her knowledge and understanding of how to successfully operate and manage a foundation. She brought significant experience in grant-making, community engagement, and board interaction, all of which positioned her as a strong match for SRF’s goals. “Heather’s background in anthropology suggested that her approach to tackling complex problems and issues would be holistic and consider a broad spectrum of approaches,” Hoyle explained. “She also understands the importance of data and how it can be used to support our mission.”
Heather’s energy and passion further solidified her place as the Board’s top choice. “I am very excited that Heather will be joining us,” Hoyle said. “She is a creative thinker and problem solver who will do well helping us move forward with our important work. She is very engaging, and I believe she will help us continue to build strong connections with the many organizations serving the elderly and at-risk citizens of Philadelphia.”
Meet Heather Finnegan
The Sarah Ralston Foundation will welcome Heather Finnegan as its new Executive Director, effective December 16, 2024. Heather brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership and a deep commitment to supporting older adults in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Her extensive background, particularly in guiding organizations through strategic transformations, makes her uniquely suited to lead SRF as it continues its evolution from a service provider to a grantmaking entity.
Heather joins SRF following a distinguished tenure at The Community’s Foundation (TCF), where she served as President and CEO. Under her leadership, TCF underwent significant transformation, including rebranding, mission realignment, and geographic expansion. Key achievements included a 115% increase in grant distributions, a 486% growth in gross contributions, and the launch of initiatives centered on trust-based philanthropy and participatory grantmaking. These accomplishments reflect Heather’s ability to lead with vision, adaptability, and a focus on strategic goals and community impact.
Heather’s deep commitment to Aging Services aligns seamlessly with SRF’s mission. At TCF, she prioritized senior services in grantmaking, driven by the foundation’s legacy as a former hospital and hospice operator. Her advocacy extended to addressing challenges faced by underserved communities, including older adults navigating health declines, language barriers, and caregiving responsibilities in the wake of the opioid epidemic.
Heather also brings extensive experience in financial management, donor relations, and operational oversight. Her achievements in increasing volunteer engagement, expanding fund offerings, and launching diversity and equity initiatives underscore her commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive nonprofit sector.
Reflecting on her new role, Heather shared her enthusiasm: “The Sarah Ralston Foundation’s commitment to supporting Older Adults deeply resonates with me. As the U.S. experiences unprecedented growth in its aging population, SRF’s focus on this sector is more important than ever. I look forward to working with our partners to foster meaningful, community-driven change.”
The Foundation is excited about the innovative energy Heather brings to this pivotal role. Her leadership promises to advance SRF’s mission, strengthening its role as a vital resource for organizations serving vulnerable, underserved older adults in Philadelphia.
Join Us in Welcoming Heather
As Heather takes on this exciting new role, we invite you to join us in welcoming her to the Sarah Ralston Foundation. We look forward to the vision, energy, and expertise she will bring to our mission of supporting vulnerable, underserved older adults across Philadelphia.
To learn more about Heather’s perspective and goals, we encourage you to read our Q&A with Heather Finnegan.