The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga has named Maeghan Jones as the Foundation's new president.
Jones, who has been serving as president of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, will succeed retiring President Pete Cooper in January.
Previously, Jones served in numerous nonprofit management positions, including director of a statewide program for homeless and runaway youth, and as executive director of a private family foundation. She has also served as a nonprofit management consultant.
Maeghan JonesIn addition to her non-profit management experience, Jones has worked as a public interest attorney assisting low-income and indigent clients with securing basic rights and services.
"Maeghan not only has the intelligence and organizational capability to serve as a great leader for Community Foundation; she also has the passion and dedication to making a positive difference in our community," said Michelle Ruest, chairwoman of the Community Foundation board. "We are confident that she will bring a vital blend of thought leadership, vision and innovation to the role of president, and that she will undoubtedly further the impact of Community Foundation in the years to come."
The nationwide search was spearheaded by a committee comprised of current and past board members of the Community Foundation, and was facilitated nationally by New York-based Bridge Partners, LLC, an executive search firm.
"Maeghan's career has been dedicated to working in the public interest," said board member Tim Kelly, who served on the search committee. "Maeghan's successful track record of organizational leadership, strategic planning, program development and fundraising in the non-profit sector perfectly positions her to lead the Community Foundation as we work to ensure the Foundation meets the needs of existing donors and constituents and anticipates the future needs of our growing community and a changing philanthropic landscape."
Jones holds a B.A. from Kenyon College and a law degree from Boston's Northeastern University School of Law where she was a recipient of the University's Public Interest Law Scholarship.
Maeghan resides in St. Elmo with her husband Kirk Zigler, a professor of biology at the University of the South, and their son Oliver. She currently serves on the board of the Georgia Association of Food Banks.