LOWELL -- The Greater Lowell Community Foundation has decided to make its interim executive director, Susan Winship, its permanent leader.
Winship, who was previously director of philanthropy, took over on an interim basis in August after Raymond Riddick Jr. stepped down after about two years. Winship was named executive director by the foundation's board of directors Wednesday.
Winship previously led the Sudanese Education Fund, a program she founded in 2001. She took the position at the Greater Lowell Community Foundation in September 2012, returning her to the city where she briefly worked as a social worker in the city's school district.
"When I decided it was time to let the Sudanese go and to do something else for the last stretch of my career, I saw this as a fantastic opportunity to come back to Lowell," she said.
The Sudanese Education Fund started out focused on helping the "Lost Boys" of Sudan with education costs in the Boston area. It has since expanded to provide support for South Sudanese families across the region.
Winship was chosen unanimously for the Lowell executive-director position, said Steve Joncas, who chairs the board of directors. Joncas cited Winship's work with the Sudanese Education Fund and said the passion she brought to that nonprofit has extended to the Lowell foundation.
"She demonstrated her entrepreneurial skills in having the ability to start an organization from scratch," Joncas said.
The Lowell foundation, which oversees a $25 million fund, is working to broaden its reach across Greater Lowell, which now includes being active in about 38 communities. The foundation oversees scholarships and other funds, partners with area nonprofits to connect with donors, and holds educational seminars.
The foundation and its donors gave more than $1 million to nonprofit organizations last year.
"The communities that we serve, the people here are incredibly generous," Joncas said.
Pride for the Lowell area drives much of the giving, Winship said.
"There's a lot of passion and enthusiasm people have for the area," she said. "I am very excited to work for such a wonderful board of directors and our donor community."
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