Chautauqua Region Community Foundation Bids Farewell to Longtime Staff Member; Adds Two to the Team

Pictured (left to right): Lisa Lynde, Tina Downey, and Lindsey Goold

At the end of March, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation will say farewell to Lisa Lynde as she retires after more than twenty years of dedicated service to the community.

Lynde’s service to the Foundation has evolved and expanded over the years. Most recently she has served as its Donor Services Officer, a role created in 2020 to best utilize her unique blend of skills and experience. Lynde joined the Foundation in 2004 as its Scholarship Officer, eventually transitioning to Program Officer where she oversaw both scholarship and grantmaking efforts totaling more than $3 million of impact. She is well known for building and fostering strong relationships with donors, fund advisors, non-profit organizations, school counselors, board members, and other key stakeholders in the community.

“Lisa is a quiet leader on our team,” noted Tory Irgang, Executive Director. “She is always there to help her co-workers, has an incredible work ethic, and an unmatched attention to detail. She cares about people and that has served the Foundation exceedingly well throughout her tenure.”

As Donor Services Officer, Lisa played a crucial role in welcoming, listening to, and advising those seeking to establish new endowment funds at the Foundation. She also maintained communications with hundreds of fund advisors to ensure they were connected to the impacts of their fund(s) in the community. Her extensive knowledge of the Foundation’s history, both operational and in terms of organizational relationships, will be greatly missed.

“We are grateful for Lisa’s contributions to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and wish her the very best in the next chapter of her life,” added Irgang. The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation will be hosting a celebration for anyone in the community would be wishes to thank Lisa.

The Foundation is pleased to welcome two new team members – Tina Downey as Development Officer and Lindsey Goold as Donor Services Officer. The two, and their decades of experience in the region, will aim to expand the Foundation's reach and ability to support new and existing endowment funds.

Tina Downey will lead relationship building to support the development of new funds and growth among existing funds. She will serve as a key partner for individual donors, professional advisors, and nonprofit organizations as they navigate charitable decisions and establish legacy plans for the greatest community impact.

Lindsey Goold will engage with current fund advisors and donors to ensure they are achieving their philanthropic goals and provide a high level of service regarding the management and impact of their funds.

“Our strategic plan called for the separation of development and donor services responsibilities by creating a new role that allows greater focus on growing and expanding the relationships,” noted Irgang. “The timing coincided with Lisa’s retirement date, allowing us to add two dynamic staff simultaneously. We are excited about what's ahead and feel prepared with these great additions.”

For more information on the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, visit www.crcfonline.org or contact the office at 716-661-3390.