Community Vision announces President Mary Rogier will step down after more than 20 years of exceptional leadership. A national search for a visionary new leader is currently underway.
It is with a tremendous mix of sadness and gratitude that the Board of Directors of Community Vision announces that long-time President Mary Rogier has informed leadership of her intent to step down from her position. Mary notified the Board of her decision in May and has since worked closely with executive leadership to assemble a committee led by Community Vision’s Board of Directors. This committee is managing the transition.
Since joining the organization 1998, Mary has played a lead role in delivering key services and building Community Vision’s impact in low-income communities throughout Northern and Central California, including:
- Growing Community Vision’s core capital from under $6 million in 1998 to nearly $66.7 million today, which has allowed Community Vision to finance affordable housing and an array of essential community services;
- Building Community Vision staff from six people in 1998 to 40 dedicated professionals today;
- Creating an innovative Consulting Department that has assisted 549 nonprofits in building stronger financial management systems, navigating the real estate market, and securing space in their communities;
- Overseeing a robust New Markets Tax Credit program in which Community Vision has closed $164.8 million in credits and leveraged an additional $258.2 million to low-income communities throughout Northern and Central California; and
- Expanding Community Vision’s region to include Greater Fresno and Central Valley rural communities struggling with socioeconomic inequity.
Under Mary’s fiscal leadership, Community Vision has experienced 20 years of outstanding financial performance without a single loss of investor capital.
Mary has also served as an industry leader, actively participating on numerous boards and workgroups around the country. These include serving on the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) Board of Directors from 2008 to 2014, in which she served as the Vice Chair of the body from 2013 through 2014.
During her tenure, Community Vision has made 402 successful loans to 214 borrowers, deploying nearly $180 million into low-income communities throughout Northern and Central California.
Mary will remain in her position through Spring 2019.
“I take tremendous pride in what Community Vision has been able to accomplish over the past 20 years – and especially in the high quality and commitment of the staff we’ve been able to attract,” said Mary. “We’re financially as strong as we’ve ever been, with a well-performing portfolio, and excellent services guided by our new three-year strategic plan.”
The Community Vision Board has engaged Raffa Consulting to lead the transition planning process, including a national search for a new leader. The process is anticipated to conclude in Spring 2019.
“Mary has provided tremendous leadership, guidance, and support to the field and the staff of Community Vision and without this, we would not be in the position we are in today,” added Patricia GoPaul, Community Vision Board Chair. “The organization’s strength and stability provides us the luxury of searching for a new leader that shares Community Vision’s commitment to economic and racial equity throughout California.”
Community Vision will publish regular updates about the transition process.
