West Chester, PA – May 12, 2026 – Change is in the air at the Chester County Community Foundation. President/CEO Karen Simmons will retire this summer after 25 years of transformative service, and Kate Wickersham CFRE has been chosen to lead the Foundation next.
Since 2001, Simmons has been instrumental in shaping the Foundation into a vibrant, community-centered philanthropic institution. Under her leadership, the Foundation has grown from 130 entrusted funds at $8 million to more than 335 entrusted funds at $141 million, with annual grantmaking now averaging $6.5 million. Simmons championed legacy philanthropy, strengthened nonprofit capacity, and deepened donor engagement across the region.
“We are very grateful for Karen’s leadership. Her vision, passion, and unwavering commitment to our mission have guided the organization through significant growth and impact,” noted Board Chair Dr. Zebulun Davenport. Incoming Board Chair Erik Gudmundson added, “Karen has broadened the Foundation’s relationships and strengthened its voice on important issues throughout Chester County. She looks forward to a well‑earned retirement after 46 years of leadership in arts administration, nonprofit management, and community legacy philanthropy.”
As a result of a national search conducted with Kittleman & Associates, the Foundation’s Board of Directors selected Kate Wickersham CFRE to lead the organization into its next chapter. As President/CEO, Wickersham will lead efforts to deepen donor engagement, strengthen regional partnerships, and expand opportunities for philanthropy to create lasting impact.
With leadership experience including 10 years in for-profit and more than 15 years in mission-driven organizations, Wickersham has built her career by listening first, building trusted relationships, and fostering strong collaborations. As current Director of Development at LCH Health and Community Services, she has led philanthropic strategy, grant development, communications, and community engagement efforts that strengthen long-term sustainability and expand community impact.
“Kate is an accomplished and thoughtful leader whose collaborative approach, strategic vision, and commitment to our community make her well-suited to guide the Foundation forward,” said Dr. Davenport. “Her ability to connect people, purpose, and causes that matter reflects the very heart of community philanthropy.”
A longtime Chester County resident, Wickersham believes deeply in the power of generosity to create meaningful change. “I am honored to join Chester County Community Foundation and build on its remarkable legacy of service, stewardship, and partnership,” she said.
“I believe philanthropy brings people together by connecting people to purpose and aligning what we care about with what our communities need to create lasting impact. I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside donors, nonprofit partners, and community leaders to help Chester County remain a place where people want to live, work, and thrive.”
The public is invited to the Foundation’s Leadership Succession Open House Reception on Friday, June 26, 2026 between 3-5:30 pm at align.Space in West Chester. RSVP to paige@chescocf.org at (610) 696-8211 or just stop by to meet incoming Board Chair Erik Gudmundson and incoming CEO Kate Wickersham, and to honor outgoing Board Chair Dr. Zeb Davenport and retiring President/CEO Karen Simmons.
***
About the Chester County Community Foundation
Headquartered in West Chester’s Historic Lincoln Building, the Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter so their legacy philanthropy makes a difference now and forever. The Community Foundation holds over $140 million in trust and annually awards $6.5+ million in grants and scholarships. Learn more about the Community Foundation at www.chescocf.org.
###
Photo: Outgoing Chair Dr. Zeb Davenport & Outgoing President/CEO Karen Simmons with Incoming Chair Erik Gudmundson & Incoming President/CEO Kate Wickersham CFRE.