Tuesday, December 16th, 2014
Nonprofit veteran Jeanne Bistranin will succeed Lee Zimmerman as Executive Director of The Summit Foundation. Bistranin brings over 30 years of philanthropic and community collaborations, most recently with the Adolph Coors Foundation, a private family foundation that provides grants to nonprofits throughout Colorado. In addition to evaluating grant proposals for the Coors Foundation, she conducted a strategic review of the Foundation’s 35-year history that resulted in a clearly defined philanthropic focus. Bistranin developed several of the Foundation’s highly successful community initiatives, including a high school social entrepreneur program focused on suicide prevention and an effort to help veterans successfully transition to civilian life.
“We are fortunate to have such a well-qualified professional assume this important role in our community,” said Kevin McDonald, President of The Summit Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “Jeanne is not only accomplished in the nonprofit field, she is a good fit for Summit County.”
Bistranin also worked for U S WEST in various capacities, including managing the company’s foundation, corporate philanthropy, and employee volunteerism programs. A Colorado native, Bistranin is highly committed to Colorado and giving back to the community. She served as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Emily Griffith Foundation and has volunteered to help at-risk youth establish and meet their goals.
“I am so impressed with the generosity of the people of Summit County. It’s apparent that this community really cares, and I am excited to be a part of that,” Bistranin said. “The Summit Foundation has done an incredible job of making a difference in the community, and we will continue to build on that history of excellence in working with the nonprofits, youth, community leaders and donors.”
Jeanne is expected to start her new position with The Summit Foundation in the first quarter of 2015.