Chris Askin
Courtesy Photo
Chris Askin, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, recently announced his retirement, effective Jan. 28, 2022.
Askin has led the foundation — formerly known as the Community Foundation of Western Nevada — for much of its existence. It was established in 1998; the Board hired him as executive director in 2000 and elevated him to President/CEO in 2007, according to a Sept. 20 press release.
“Building an organization that has earned the community’s faith, trust and friendship has been the honor of my life,” Askin said in a statement. “Leading the Community Foundation was a dream come true for me. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to build an organization from the ground up.
“I’ve been extremely fortunate to have held a leadership role that has fit my skill sets and abilities — and one that has been so personally and professionally rewarding.”
Over his career, Askin earned the philanthropic industry’s top certifications: Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) in 1996, prior to joining the Community Foundation; and Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG) in 2003.
Today, Askin oversees an 11-person staff and works with the foundation’s Professional Advisors Council, Board of Directors and several committee members and ambassadors.
Over the past two decades, they’ve worked together to secure more than $220 million in gifts received, $145 million in grants and scholarships distributed, and assets of $150 million, according to the release.
“Throughout his nearly 22 years, Chris has provided the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada with outstanding leadership through strong visioning and strategic thinking that has guided the staff and our board to where it is today,” current Board Chair Kevin Melcher said in a statement. “The local and regional networking developed under Chris’ direction has benefited countless people through philanthropy and catapulted the Community Foundation into positions of leadership on a number of important community initiatives.”
A committee has been formed and a search is underway with the goal of naming Askin’s successor by year’s end, according to the foundation.
