London Community Foundation Names Diane Silva as President and Chief Executive Officer
For Immediate Release
London Community Foundation Names Diane Silva as President and Chief Executive Officer
Diane will begin her new role on May 3, 2024
London, ON: London Community Foundation’s Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Diane Silva as the new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective May 3, 2024.
Diane Silva, the new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 3, 2004.
“The Board of Directors is honoured to welcome Diane to the President and CEO role. Diane has an exceptional track record as a leader and innovator dedicated to London Community Foundation’s vision of working together to enrich the quality of life for all. Her authentic approach to leadership and her commitment to community building and collaboration will serve the Foundation well as we develop a new strategic plan to expand and deepen our community impact.”
Diane joined London Community Foundation in 2013 to lead the philanthropy team. Under her direction, the Foundation increased the number of funds it stewards leading to meaningful improvements in communities throughout London and Middlesex County. The Foundation manages more than $125 million in assets and grants over $4.5 million annually to community organizations. Through its Social Impact Fund, London Community Foundation makes $32 million available as loans for affordable housing projects, non-profits, and social entrepreneurs.
Over the past year, Diane has spearheaded the management of the Health & Homelessness Fund for Change, which was established through a $25 million private donation by an anonymous donor family to help address London’s health and homelessness crisis. Diane brings over 25 years of executive management expertise from various roles in the private and non-profit sectors.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to lead the outstanding team at London Community Foundation as we enter our 70th year of creating stronger more equitable communities through sustainable philanthropy,” said Diane Silva, incoming President and CEO.
The Foundation’s long-time President and CEO Martha Powell served in this role for 16 years and retired last May. The Board appointed Helen Connell to act as the Interim CEO while initiating a national search.
The Board and the staff of London Community Foundation were deeply saddened by Martha Powell’s untimely passing on March 1, 2024. “I must admit the timing and feeling of this announcement is bittersweet,” said Silva. “Martha was a tremendous colleague and mentor, and I am humbled to lead the Foundation. Her innovative approach to philanthropy will stay with me forever. I look forward to the work ahead in making our community stronger.”
About London Community Foundation (www.lcf.on.ca): London Community Foundation is a public foundation dedicated to improving communities across London and Middlesex County through collaboration, strategic leadership, and innovative solutions to charitable giving. By investing gifts in perpetuity, the Foundation ensures the long-term vitality of our community. London Community Foundation was founded in 1954 by J. Allyn Taylor.
For more information or to arrange interviews:
Jennifer Foulds
Director, Communications
519-667-1600 ext. 107 (office)
jennifer@lcf.on.ca
Incoming President and Chief Executive Officer, Diane Silva, with Board Chair, Jim Alexander