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Experts urge us to embrace change in our workplaces, but losing a valued member of the team can be difficult. Robin Deal, our director of development and donor services, will leave The Norfolk Foundation this month. Robin was the first person at the Foundation to hold the development position. In 21/2 years she has developed comprehensive gift policies and found new ways for people to give back to the Hampton Roads area through the Foundation.
During her time at the Foundation, Robin was responsible for several innovations. She developed and promoted donor advised funds and charitable gift annuities and connected with new donors through these gift vehicles. Last year she created the Legacy Society for Hampton Roads to recognize those who have provided for a gift to the Foundation in their estate plans. Robin also was responsible for starting both a Professional Advisors Committee and a Development Advisory Committee. Robin’s influence reaches far beyond The Norfolk Foundation to our community where she served as president of VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads. Recently Robin was instrumental in establishing a Hampton Roads chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, which provides professional development opportunities to development officers of nonprofit organizations. During her term as the organization’s first president, the chapter grew to 75 members. We congratulate Robin on her upcoming marriage to former Gov. Gerald Baliles and wish her well in her new life in Richmond.

I am pleased to announce that Nan Edgerton has joined us this month as vice president of development. Nan served most recently as director of development at Virginia Wesleyan College. She previously worked in corporate and foundation relations at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Towson State University and Bowling Green State University. Nan brings to the Foundation years of experience in helping donors realize their philanthropic goals.

During this season of change, we have promoted Leigh Davis to vice president of community philanthropy. Formerly the Foundation’s director of grants and projects, Leigh will continue to oversee all grant-making while also working closely with donors who have established donor advised funds at the Foundation. This new position aligns Leigh’s knowledge of the community with donors’ needs for information about the mission and effectiveness of local nonprofit organizations.

We are excited about these changes and look forward to the positive impact they will make on The Norfolk Foundation.