Columbus, OH (June 11, 2014)—Douglas F. Kridler, Columbus Foundation president and CEO, announced today that Columbus native and Ohio State University graduate Colleen Durbin Mitchell, a highly regarded national figure in philanthropy, will be joining The Columbus Foundation team as Senior Vice President for Donor Services and Development, effective July 7, 2014.
Ms. Mitchell’s corporate experience ranges from being the head of two publicly traded corporations’ foundations, Imcera Group, Inc. and Whirlpool Corporation, to brand and product management and consumer marketing for Bose Corporation. In the nonprofit and philanthropic realms, Colleen has headed up the NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation in Evanston, Illinois, as well as founding her own firm, VENTURE3Philanthropy LLC, through which she has provided expert philanthropic advice nationally, to numerous leading CEOs and prominent, multi-generational families of means for over the past four years.
“With donors in more than 30 states in the United States and over 50 Ohio counties, The Columbus Foundation continues to expand its services to individuals and corporations here and across the U.S.” said Kridler. “With a compelling blend of impressive professional experience, interpersonal skills, and roots in Columbus, Colleen is well suited to this role leading one of the top donor services and development teams in America.”
In this role, Ms. Mitchell will serve as chief development officer, lead the department, and is responsible for engaging and advising donors, their families, businesses, and professional advisors to help them achieve their charitable goals.
“I am so honored to be invited to join such a highly regarded and beloved community partner as The Columbus Foundation. It is a privilege to be able to work with such a talented donor services and development team to create meaningful donor experiences. I look forward to sharing my passion for growth, service, and philanthropy advising to inspire the next generation of donors and social investors who share our commitment to care for Columbus and central Ohio. It is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to positively impact my hometown community,” Ms. Mitchell said.
Ms. Mitchell succeeds Beth Fisher, who retired in May.
About The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation is the trusted philanthropic advisor® to more than 2,000 individuals, families, businesses, and communities that have created unique funds to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. Serving the region for 70 years, The Columbus Foundation is the seventh largest community foundation in the United States. The Foundation’s online giving marketplace, PowerPhilanthropy®, makes it possible for everyone to access valuable information about nonprofit organizations in central Ohio.