Beth Francis was recently named vice president for development at Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF), Danvers.
Francis, described as “a respected nonprofit professional with more than 20 years of development and communications experience” joins ECCF as the foundation works to expand its donor base and increase its impact in Essex County. It also plans to launch the second phase of its community leadership project, “Impact Essex County.”
“It was a stroke of great luck – and great timing – for ECCF that Beth became available during our search,” said Jon Payson, board chair. “Her professional credentials, deep roots in Essex County, and longtime association with one of the county’s top nonprofits are a great fit for the foundation’s goals and the important collaborative work ahead of us with Impact Essex County.”
Francis joins ECCF after 21 years with YMCA of the North Shore, where she served as both director of product development and, for the last nine years, as chief development officer. In this role, Francis raised $6.5 million in capital funds, increased the annual charitable operating support by 123 percent, doubled the organization’s number of donors to 4,000 and developed its first planned giving initiative, resulting in more than 70 endowment supporters over three years.
“Beth’s track record at the Y is extraordinary, and her network in Essex County is impressive,” said ECCF Trustee Theresa Ellis, who heads the foundation’s development committee. “I am very much looking forward to working with Beth as we continue to build the impact of the Foundation, and I expect many of our partners will be excited to work with her too.”
Prior to YMCA of the North Shore, Francis served as director of membership and marketing at Beverly Regional YMCA. Before that, she was marketing and communications manager at YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee.
“I’m inspired by ECCF’s work and honored to join the organization’s dedicated staff and volunteers in their efforts to improve the lives of all those in Essex County,” said Francis. “It is very motivating to raise vital funding in an organization striving for real social change. Hunger relief, access to quality education, breaking the cycle of poverty and the healthcare crisis – these are the causes I am passionate about and why I’ve joined ECCF.”