Dan Lerner, associate director and chair of University of Vermont Extension, has been named executive director of the Windham Foundation, effective mid-June. He will succeed Bob Donald, who will retire this summer after 14 years as CEO and chief financial officer.
Lerner, who has worked at UVM Extension since 2013, is a graduate of Duke University and holds master's and doctoral degrees in U.S. history from Michigan State University.
"We are delighted that Dan has agreed to join the Windham Foundation," said Lisa Ventriss, chair of the board search committee. "He brings deep knowledge and appreciation for the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural Vermont communities, which he has developed during his years leading all programs for the University of Vermont Extension. He has a wealth of knowledge related to grantmaking and philanthropic investment, which is central to the Foundation's mission, as well as a proven track record in communications and creating gathering events similar to the Foundation's policy conferences."
The Windham Foundation is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the vitality of rural communities in Vermont. Under Lerner's leadership, the foundation aims to continue its work in grantmaking, community development and fostering connections among rural areas to ensure their sustainability and growth.