by Community Foundation of Fayette County | May 11, 2026 | CFFC News
Elevate NP of SWPA is hosting a series of Scenario Planning Clinics for nonprofits across the region – free of charge. CFFC is happy to host a session at our office on June 18.
Scenario Planning Clinic
Thursday, June 18
12:00 – 3:00
Community Foundation of Fayette County
250 West Main Street
Uniontown, PA 15401
Facilitated by Jake Seltman and Will Tolliver of Procopia, this dynamic workshop includes group discussion with expert facilitators, peer connections, and applied exercises to:
- Get clear on the major drivers of uncertainty and risk for their organization – and what some potential scenarios might be
- Develop an action plan to address near-term risks/opportunities and plant seeds for the future
- Get advice and share ideas with peers and colleagues
This session is intended for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a paid Executive Director and annual budgets between $100,000 and $5 million. Space is limited to 20 nonprofit organizations. This workshop is intended for Executive Directors, and participants are encouraged to bring an additional member of their leadership team or Board. A light lunch will be included.
Nonprofits must register to attend. Reserve your spot!
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Sep 3, 2025 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica Hajek-Bates as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 15, 2025. She will succeed Renee M. Couser, who will retire at the end of 2025 after years of dedicated service to the foundation and the Fayette County community.
Hajek-Bates was selected following a comprehensive search process, conducted in partnership with The Hill Group. With more than twenty years of experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, and community development, she brings a deep understanding of the region and a strong commitment to public service.
Her career includes leadership roles at Fayette County Community Action Agency, Inc. and Blueprints in Washington and Greene Counties. She also worked closely with the late Joe Hardy, managing his nonprofit initiatives, supporting his work as a county commissioner, and coordinating economic revitalization efforts in Uniontown.
“I am honored to join the Community Foundation of Fayette County and build on the strong foundation established under Renee Couser’s leadership,” said Hajek-Bates. “Fayette County is a place I care deeply about, and I look forward to working with the board, staff, and community partners to expand our impact and support meaningful change.”
“Jessica brings a rare combination of strategic vision, operational expertise, and a deep-rooted commitment to Fayette County,” said Ron Gabriel, Chair of the CFFC Board of Directors. “Her track record of building partnerships, securing resources, and driving measurable outcomes makes her an ideal leader for this next chapter of the foundation. The board is excited to work alongside her as we continue to expand our reach and deepen our impact across the region.”
Under Hajek-Bates’ leadership, CFFC will continue implementing its strategic plan focused on growth, collaboration, and increasing philanthropic impact across Fayette County. For more information, visit www.cffayettepa.org.
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 | Aug 4, 2023 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County is hosting an Executive Director Bootcamp for Executive Directors of Fayette County and Greene County nonprofits. The registration fee is $100 per person. Lunch will be provided. Register here; payment instructions to follow.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Fay-Penn Economic Development Council
1st Floor FNB Business Event Center
1040 Eberly Way
Lemont Furnace, PA 15456
The Executive Director Bootcamp is a full-day interactive training program developed by Nonprofit SideKick! that equips emerging, new, and experienced nonprofit leaders with the tools, knowledge, and methods to build community, increase donations, expand program impact, and improve relationships with the board, volunteers, and staff. It is a nuts and bolts training program that provides a foundation of knowledge and skills that every nonprofit leader needs in order to get on that path to more dollars and higher impact with way less stress. Learn about Nonprofit SideKick!
Course Outline:
- The Unique Balancing Act of Nonprofit Leadership
- The Importance of Governance and Board Relations
- How to Grow Your Community with Marketing and Fundraising
- Nonprofit Finance and Risk Management Basics
- How to Leverage the Bootcamp into Action
*After the full-day training, Nonprofit SideKick! will host three online huddles for the participants ($500 value). The huddles will be one hour of peer support and group coaching.
*Each attendee will also receive a complimentary one year membership ($125 value) in the Nonprofit SideKick! online community that includes weekly coaching sessions, an online book club, and other learning opportunities, as well as a community of peers to help leaders see that they are not alone.