The Cumberland County United Fund has begun the process of searching for a new executive director.
Longtime director Holly Neal will retire after 25 years with the organization. The nonprofit, which is marking its 60th year of service, raises funds locally to support other nonprofit organizations serving Cumberland County. President Allison Brendel said the organization plays a key role in supporting a wide range of community needs through its partner agencies.
“We raise money for other nonprofits in Cumberland County,” Brendel said. “The money is raised in Cumberland County, and it stays in Cumberland County, and we have thirty partnering agencies that we help.”
Brendel said the organization is seeking someone with nonprofit or leadership experience who can oversee operations, fundraising, and partnerships.
“We’re looking for someone that has experience with nonprofits or has leadership experience,” Brendel said. “We really want someone that has a passion for the Cumberland County United Fund’s mission.”
According to Brendel, the executive director role involves extensive community engagement, including working with partner agencies, attending meetings, and building relationships with donors and local industries.
The application deadline for the position is Jan. 30. Brendel said applications and job descriptions are available on the Cumberland County United Fund website, and interviews are expected to begin in March.
Brendel said replacing Neal will be a challenge, noting the impact she has had during her tenure as executive director.
“Holly has done an exceptional job for the past twenty-five years,” Brendel said. “Right now, she is our third executive director in sixty years, so that says something about the Cumberland County United Fund.”
Brendel said the board hopes to make a hire by late spring, with a target of April or May, depending on how the process unfolds.
She added Neal will remain in her role until a new executive director is selected and has also offered to stay on temporarily to help mentor the incoming director.
“She has offered to stay on to help mentor the new executive director for a couple of months,” Brendel said. “She would like to show them the ropes.”