The Community Foundation of East Central Illinois (CFECI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Allison Winter as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. With a robust background in philanthropy and business development spanning two decades, Winter brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to her role at CFECI.
Winter is a dynamic leader with an unwavering commitment to community improvement. Her 20 years of experience include a significant tenure at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she served as a front-line fundraiser for The Grainger College of Engineering and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES). During her time there, Winter demonstrated exceptional skill in aligning donor philanthropic interests with organizational priorities.
Known for her prowess in developing portfolios and major gifts while building lasting relationships, Winter has garnered support for scholarships, programs, research, and other critical resources. Her strategic approach, rooted in data-driven decision-making and inclusive collaboration, has consistently yielded remarkable results.
“Allison’s leadership comes at a pivotal moment for the Foundation’s consistent growth,” said Mark Palmer, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Her extensive experience, coupled with a passion for making a positive impact, aligns seamlessly with our mission to improve the quality of life in east central Illinois.”
In her role as President & CEO, Winter is poised to elevate CFECI to new heights expanding its endowments and cultivating meaningful community connections. She will begin her position on January 1, 2024.
“I am thrilled to be joining an organization which plays such a crucial role in bringing together people and resources to make a tangible difference in the community,” said Winter. “The Foundation has a strong background of strategic commitment to community betterment. Together, at CFECI, we’ll leverage thoughtful collaboration to address the evolving needs of our region. I’m excited to see where we can go!”