The Community Foundation of NCW announced that Executive Director Beth Stipe plans to retire on December 31, 2027, following 24 years of leadership and service to North Central Washington.

For over two decades, Beth helped connect people with causes they care about, strengthen nonprofits, support students, and build charitable resources that will benefit North Central Washington for generations. Her influence, however, reaches far beyond the Foundation’s programs, grants, and many accomplishments. It lives in the relationships she built, the generosity she inspired, and the countless ways communities across the region are stronger because of her leadership.

Beth Stipe shortly after accepting the role of the Community Foundation’s second executive director in 2003

A community foundation’s success is measured not simply by the resources it builds, but by how those resources strengthen communities today and create opportunities for generations to come. During Beth’s tenure, donors entrusted an extraordinary $232 million in charitable gifts to the Community Foundation. During that same period, the Community Foundation awarded $147 million in grants and $13 million in scholarships, putting $160 million to work throughout North Central Washington. At the same time, the Community Foundation’s assets under management grew from $13 million in 2003 to approximately $190 million in 2026, while the number of open charitable funds grew from 242 to more than 600.

Beth Stipe doing what she loves… biking!

Beyond the dollars, Beth helped broaden the Community Foundation’s reach and capacity through the recovery response following the 2014 Carlton Complex Fires, the opening of an office in Omak, and the launch of the Nonprofit Practices Institute, the Leadership Institute, and an impact investing program. She also helped reshape the Community Foundation’s grantmaking around place-based Legacy Funds and create Local Advisory Boards, giving residents a stronger voice in decisions about charitable investment in their communities. Through Give 10, the Heirloom Society, Give Methow, and Give NCW, Beth invited more people to take part in the generosity that strengthens communities across North Central Washington.

Beth Stipe in full costume for the first Give NCW Turkey Trot

“It’s been a great 24 years!” Beth began as she reflected on her leadership of the Foundation. “I am eternally grateful for the lifetime of joy this role has provided. Together, we’ve done really great things. We’ve rebuilt after devastating fires, experienced improved access to our beautiful public lands and spaces, lifted our neighbors in their times of need, weathered a pandemic, and continue to build charitable resources for future generations from local generosity! Thanks to the dedicated staff and Trustees, and the strong tradition of governance over the past 4 decades, it is the perfect time to transition to a new steward for our region’s charitable assets.”

Stipe shared her plans with the Board of Trustees earlier this year, providing significant time for succession planning and leadership transition efforts. A Board-appointed Selection Committee has begun preparations to guide the process of identifying the Foundation’s next Executive Director.

“It is difficult to fully capture the impact of Beth’s 24 years of dedicated leadership on the Community Foundation and the communities it serves,” said Board Chair Evan McCauley. “Beth has not only guided the organization’s growth and evolution, but also helped shape its culture, strengthen its relationships, and deepen its roots across North Central Washington. We are incredibly grateful for her vision and commitment to keeping philanthropy local and guiding legacies back into the region.

“The Community Foundation is strong, and the Board is approaching this transition with the same care and intention that Beth has brought to her leadership. On behalf of the Board, thank you, Beth, for your extraordinary leadership and for the lasting difference you have made. The Community Foundation and North Central Washington are stronger because of you.”

The Board has established a Selection Committee to oversee the succession planning process. Additional information regarding the search and selection process will be shared as planning progresses.

In the meantime, Stipe will continue serving as Executive Director through December 31, 2027. Foundation leadership and operations remain unchanged, and the Board expects a deliberate transition process over the coming year.

As the Foundation approaches this leadership transition, its commitment to helping individuals, families, organizations, and communities improve quality of life across North Central Washington remains unchanged.