Richard E. Ward has been named executive director of the Brookline Community Foundation (BCF). The announcement was made today by the incoming chair of the board of trustees, Judith Kidd. Ward, who succeeds outgoing executive director Molly Paul, will assume his new duties on June 14, 2010.

Ward has been an active civic leader in eastern Massachusetts throughout his career. According to Kidd, his combination of experience with both nonprofit organizations and community foundations will provide the community of Brookline and BCF with depth in both grant making and nonprofit support. “We are very excited to have Richard join us as our executive director,” says Kidd. “His exceptional skills and qualifications and his excitement about getting deeply involved in Brookline will be energizing for the BCF staff and board and the greater Brookline community."

Ward has held leadership positions in nonprofit organizations, philanthropic consultancy and community organizations, including the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and the Boston Foundation. At the Boston Foundation, one of the country’s oldest and largest community foundations, Ward spent nearly a decade in senior positions including Director of Grantmaking and Director of Programs. Of his new role, Ward says, “I am excited to have been chosen to lead this outstanding philanthropic organization. While small in current assets, its vision and impact on issues in Brookline are huge. I look forward to working with the board and the greater Brookline community in growing this Foundation, and addressing the critical issues that impact those in need in Brookline.”

The Brookline Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that exists to promote a strong, engaged and inclusive community.  BCF identifies and raises awareness of community needs, creates forums for public dialogue and problem solving, inspires philanthropy and volunteerism, and advances equal access to community resources and opportunities while strengthening and sustaining local nonprofits.