Wendy Neufeld has been named the new executive director of the Abbotsford Community Foundation (ACF), effective April 18.
ACF Board Chair Harv Wiens made the announcement on Monday that Neufeld will replace retiring Executive Director Susan McAlevy.
Neufeld has deep roots in Abbotsford where she graduated from W. J. Mouat and has managed and owned a very successful insurance agency for the past 31 years. She has a passion for giving back to the community, demonstrated by many years of exemplary leadership with her Rotary club, volunteering on several boards and donating endless hours of time to make a difference to the city.
In 2016 the City of Abbotsford affirmed Neufeld’s outstanding contributions by awarding her the Order of Abbotsford.
“I am excited to have this opportunity to serve the Abbotsford community,” Neufeld said. “I hope to connect with many of the community members I have had the privilege of working with through my varied volunteer and business roles.
“I love the diversity and generosity of Abbotsford’s citizens and look forward to partnering with organizations and individuals to help them invest in our community to make it even stronger.”
Since its inception in 1979, Abbotsford Community Foundation has awarded more than $9 million in student awards to high school grads and grants to local charities. Annually the foundation provides more than $500,000 a year in grants and student awards. Recently its total endowments reached the $10 million mark.
“Working with Wendy, our board and volunteers will build on past accomplishments and increase awareness about the work of the foundation and the opportunities for donors to realize their philanthropic goals,” Wiens said.