A longtime London charity that doles out millions of dollars to community groups each year has a new leader.
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Tea London Community Foundation announced Thursday Diane Silva will take the reins of the charity effective May 3, replacing its longtime president and chief executive who retired last spring.
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Silva started with the foundation in 2013 to lead its philanthropy team. In the past year, she has spearheaded the management of the health and homelessness fund for change that was launched by an anonymous $25-million private donation.
“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,” Silva said in a news release.
Martha Powell, the foundation’s former president and chief executive, retired in May 2023 after 23 years with the agency and 16 as its leader.
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Helen Connell was appointed interim chief executive by the foundation’s board while a search got underway for a permanent replacement.
Powell died early last month at age 66.
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“The timing and feeling of this announcement is bittersweet,” Silva said. “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.”
In a news release Thursday, the London Community Foundation’s board of directors said Silva has an “exceptional track record” as a leader and innovator.
“Her authentic approach to leadership and her commitment to community building and collaboration will serve the foundation as we develop a new strategic plan to expand and deepen our community impact,” the board said.
The foundation, established in 1954 by London philanthropist and former Canada Trust president J. Allyn Taylor, manages more than $125 million in assets and grants more than $4.5 million to community organizations each year.
Its social impact fund has $32 million available for loans for affordable housing projects and local non-profits.
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