by Community Foundation of Fayette County | May 19, 2025 | Building a Stronger Fayette
Renee M. Couser (CFFC Executive Director), Scott T. Lee (Foundation for Free Enterprise Education’s Vice President of Marketing & Development), John and Bernadette Ptak with a plaque recognizing the Ptak Family Fund as a “Student Champion” for PFEW
John and Bernadette Ptak say that the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) helped “connect the dots” for their charitable giving. The Ptak Family Fund was created in 2022, specifically to support Fayette County students attending the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education’s “PA Free Enterprise Week” (PFEW).
Mr. and Mrs. Ptak first met with Renee Couser, CFFC Executive Director, in fall of 2021 to discuss the possibility of creating a charitable fund and how they’d like to help the community. The couple had years of experience owning and operating “Ptak’s”, a formal wear store in Uniontown that was established in 1924 by John’s grandfather, and Bernadette is also a retired school teacher. Throughout conversations about their backgrounds and charitable interests, education was a shining topic.
“The foundation has worked with the PFEW program in the past, and I thought it could be a great fit for the Ptaks, combining youth education and their background in small business,” said Couser.
photo courtesy of Foundation for Free Enterprise Education
PA Free Enterprise Week (PFEW) is a youth leadership program that educates high school students about the American free enterprise system, bringing together students and business people from throughout the state. Students gain perspective about what it takes to be successful in an increasingly competitive global marketplace, by simulating the operation of a company in a student team with the help of a business mentor. PFEW also features a Speaker Series and The Stock Market Game.
photo courtesy of Foundation for Free Enterprise Education
Over the past three years, the Ptak Family Fund has provided a total of $15,000 in registration reimbursement for Fayette County students who graduated from the week-long program. “We are so happy to be part of the PFEW program, which gives the youth of Fayette County a very positive experience of the business world,” said John and Bernadette Ptak.
“The community foundation is a matchmaker for charitable giving, so we’re always excited to learn about someone’s passions and provide options for how they can help others. Reading the thank-you letters from PFEW students, it’s clear that the Ptak Family Fund is supporting education in a special way, just like the donors aspire to do,” said Couser.
photo courtesy of Foundation for Free Enterprise Education
Quotes from Fayette County students who participated in PFEW 2024:
“I had so much fun making friends, learning about finance, and how to run a business…. I will always remember this experience that you have given me.” – Jenna from Geibel Catholic Junior Senior High School
“I had the opportunity to meet and network with business people from all over the state.” – Abagale from Albert Gallatin Area High School
“I learned about how business really works, experienced what it is like to live on a college campus, and overall, working as a team was my favorite part of PFEW.” – Mercedies from Connellsville Area High School
“Without your sponsorship, I would not have been able to attend PFEW, and my interest in pursuing a business degree might not have been sparked.” – Jacob from Albert Gallatin Area High School
“My finance team and I participated in 12 different quarters of actual business decisions while competing against other companies.” – Chris from Frazier High School
“The speakers were a major part of this week as well, and they taught me a lot.” – William from Laurel Highlands High School
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Apr 22, 2025 | Building a Stronger Fayette
All photos courtesy of Laurel Highlands High School
Students at Laurel Highlands High School have participated in seed planting, plant maintenance, aquaponics system monitoring, and data collection as part of an aquaponics plant nursery initiative called Sow, Grow, and Share. The initiative is organized by Andrea Sholtis, a Chemistry and Biology teacher at Laurel Highlands High School.
Sholtis said, “The Sow, Grow and Share initiative has significantly enhanced our aquaponics lab, transforming it into a dynamic hydroponics lab that now offers students the chance to cultivate plants for personal use. Across our five classes, an array of plants are flourishing, spanning from catnip for beloved pets to marigolds destined for home gardens.”
Aquaponics is a food production system that combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants in water). The waste produced by the fish provides nutrients for the plants, and the plants help to clean the water for the fish, creating a closed-loop system.
This initiative at Laurel Highlands High School was awarded a grant from the Community Foundation of Fayette County in 2023, through the Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Legacy Fund. The grant enabled the purchase of a 4-tier nursery and microgreen system, seedling trays, an LED 3-tier garden, plant pots, potting mix, and more.
“Embracing students of diverse abilities, from special needs to advanced placement, the initiative has fostered a shared joy in the art of planting and nurturing seeds. Particularly, students with special needs have thrived, establishing a daily routine centered around tending to their herb gardens, diligently watering and providing nutrients to their plants,” said Sholtis.
Students are experiencing hands-on learning through the Sow, Grow, and Share initiative and enhancing their understanding of sustainable agriculture, environmental science, and the aquaponics system’s role in food production.
“The foundation is happy to support engaging learning initiatives like this, through the generosity of our donors,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Apr 14, 2025 | CFFC News
Position Summary
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the senior leader and public face of the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC). This individual is responsible for strategic leadership, fundraising and donor engagement, community partnerships, and operational excellence.
The CEO will lead CFFC’s efforts to expand philanthropic assets, with a particular focus on major and planned giving, while strengthening the foundation’s impact throughout Fayette County. Working in partnership with the Board of Directors, staff, donors, and community stakeholders, the CEO will ensure that CFFC fulfills its mission of inspiring charitable giving, supporting nonprofits, and fostering positive community transformation.
Key Responsibilities
This job description outlines a broad range of responsibilities and qualifications that define the role. We encourage interested candidates to apply even if they don’t meet every listed requirement—if you bring relevant experience, enthusiasm, and a commitment to our mission, we’d love to hear from you.
1. Fundraising and Donor Engagement
- Lead CFFC’s fundraising strategy, in partnership with staff and the Board of Directors, to grow its charitable assets, focusing on major and planned giving,
- Cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals, professional advisors, businesses, and other philanthropists to increase unrestricted and endowed funds
- Develop and implement donor stewardship programs, ensuring fundholders are actively engaged with CFFC’s mission
- Oversee marketing, outreach, and public relations efforts to communicate the value of philanthropy in Fayette County
2. Community Leadership and Partnerships
- Position CFFC as a trusted leader and convener on key community issues
- Strengthen strategic alliances with nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, and civic leaders to foster collaborative impact
- Serve as the primary spokesperson and represent CFFC at public events, speaking engagements, and community meetings to advocate for local philanthropy
- Identify and respond to emerging community needs, working with stakeholders to develop funding solutions
3. Organizational Leadership and Strategic Planning
- Develop and execute CFFC’s long-term strategic vision, in partnership with the Board of Directors
- Oversee financial stewardship and operational effectiveness, ensuring the foundation operates with integrity and sustainability
- Lead and develop a high-performing team, providing mentorship and professional development opportunities
- Ensure compliance with National Standards for US Community Foundations® and best practices in philanthropy
- Monitor key performance indicators to evaluate CFFC’s success in fundraising, community impact, and operational efficiency
4. Financial and Operational Management
- Oversee CFFC’s financial health, including the foundation’s investment portfolio (in partnership with the Finance Director and outside investment management advisors), operating budget, and fund distributions
- Implement policies and procedures to support organizational efficiency, transparency, and donor confidence
- Identify opportunities to enhance operational effectiveness, including technology investments and infrastructure improvements
Qualifications and Experience
Required Qualifications
- Proven leadership experience in fundraising and donor development
- Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage donors, corporate partners, and community leaders
- Experience leading strategic planning and organizational development for a mission-driven organization
- Excellent public speaking and communication skills, with the ability to articulate CFFC’s mission and vision
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated success in major and planned giving, with a track record of growing philanthropic assets
- Deep understanding of community foundations, philanthropy, and nonprofit governance
- Financial acumen, with experience in managing budgets, endowments, and investment strategies
- Experience working in a community foundation or donor-advised fund environment
- Knowledge of Fayette County’s economic, social, and philanthropic landscape
- Familiarity with nonprofit tax laws, grantmaking policies, and donor stewardship best practices
Reporting Structure
- The CEO reports directly to the Board of Directors and collaborates with staff, committees, and external advisors to achieve CFFC’s strategic goals.
Work Schedule and Location
- This is a full-time, in-person position based at the CFFC office, with the expectation that some evening and weekend activities will be required to engage with individuals and organizations across the county and build meaningful relationships.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience, ranging from $90,000 to $120,000 per year plus benefits
- Benefits: Health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- A cover letter outlining their experience in fundraising, leadership, and community engagement
- A current resume detailing relevant qualifications and achievements
- Three professional references (name, title, relationship, and contact information)
Application Deadline: June 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET
Submit Applications to: CEOSearchCFFC@gmail.com
CFFC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Apr 14, 2025 | CFFC News
After nearly two decades of visionary leadership, the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) announces the upcoming retirement of Executive Director Renee M. Couser and the launch of a search for its next Chief Executive Officer.
Renee has been the heart and soul of CFFC, growing the foundation into a trusted leader in regional philanthropy and a steadfast supporter of Fayette County’s nonprofit community. She joined CFFC in 2008 as Grants Coordinator, then served as Director of Donor Relations before being named Executive Director in 2018. Under her leadership, CFFC has grown to manage nearly 200 charitable funds and distributes over $1 million in grants and scholarships annually.
“Renee has led with warmth, integrity, and a tireless dedication to our mission,” said Ron Gabriel, CFFC’s Board Chair. “She is deeply respected and beloved by her colleagues, our donors, and countless community partners. We are so grateful for all she has accomplished.”
Renee’s key accomplishments include upgrading technology for staff and donors, coordinating a strategic plan and succession plan, and launching new initiatives for the foundation. Under her leadership, CFFC’s Mask Initiative donated more than 250,000 disposable masks during the pandemic to local organizations who were serving the community in Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties. She was the driving force in starting Fayette Gives in 2020, an annual county-wide giving day that has raised over $2.5 million for more than 100 charities in its first five years. Renee also was integral in launching the Gala of Giving, with its inaugural event in 2022. Proceeds from the event have funded two $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grants, which are the largest grants ever awarded by the foundation.
As Renee plans to spend more time with family, traveling, and volunteering, she leaves behind a strong foundation for the future. Her retirement comes as CFFC begins implementing a new strategic plan that will guide the organization’s growth and deepen its impact across Fayette County in the years ahead.
To build on this momentum, the foundation is now accepting applications for its next Chief Executive Officer.
“We’re excited to find a visionary leader who will continue the remarkable legacy Renee has built, while advancing our bold goals for the future,” said Angela Braun, Succession Planning Committee Chair.
For more information about CFFC, please visit www.cffayettepa.org. To apply, email a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to CEOSearchCFFC@gmail.com before June 15, 2025.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Apr 8, 2025 | CFFC News
Thank you to everyone who attended the Community Foundation of Fayette County’s (CFFC) fourth annual Gala of Giving on March 29, 2025 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Your overwhelming support and record-breaking attendance are helping to catalyze change in Fayette County by raising money for bigger and bolder funding initiatives.
The event features a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner with a brief program and open bar, live auction, live music and dancing, and an after-party.
Photo credit: Melinda Dominico Photography
Since the inaugural Gala of Giving in 2022, we have awarded two $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grants from event proceeds to support collaborative, county-wide projects. Stay tuned for a third grant award this summer.
Special thanks to the Presenting Sponsor, Fairchance Construction Company, and all Gala of Giving 2025 sponsors.
Visit CFFC’s Facebook page to see photos. Tag us @cffayettepa and use #galaofgiving to share your pictures from the event!
2024 Catalyst for Change Grant: Car Seats & Training
Photo credit: WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital
CFFC’s $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant for the Infant and Child Safety Program makes it possible for more than 300 new mothers at the Uniontown Hospital’s Birthing Center to receive a convertible car seat and car seat training. The program is a partnership between WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital and Head Start of Fayette County, addressing the critical transportation needs for prenatal and pediatrician appointments.
Congratulations to this family who recently welcomed a new baby and received a car seat and training from hospital staff.
Read more!
2023 Catalyst for Change Grant: Musical Showcase
Photo credit: Kelly Tunney/KGTunney Photography
More than 150 local students performed in the inaugural “ENCORE!” production on May 5, 2024, funded by CFFC’s first-ever $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant. This program is the first of its kind in Fayette County, showcasing musicals from local high schools and bringing select students together for a special opening and closing number. Main Street Theatre Company produces ENCORE! and collaborates with State Theatre Center for the Arts for rehearsal and performance space. Students were recognized for music, theatre, and visual arts with the presentation of the Fayette County Cultural Trust‘s Achievement in the Arts awards.
“This event truly unites our school students and communities, all while highlighting the talent we have here in Fayette County and underscoring the vital importance of arts education,” said John Wager, Artistic Director of Main Street Theatre Company.
Read more!
Feeling Inspired?
You can be a catalyst for change! Donate to support bigger and bolder grants for funding projects that will affect change and growth in Fayette County.
So far, the foundation has awarded two $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant awards, and a third award will be announced this summer. Help strengthen these grant opportunities by making a tax-deductible contribution to the Gala of Giving Fund.