On April 2, 2020—just one day after DC’s official COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were announced—Tonia Wellons was named President and CEO of The Community Foundation. This followed a half-year search during which she served as interim CEO of the organization.
Today, on Tonia’s one year anniversary, we celebrate her steadfast leadership and vision. Throughout 2020, Tonia remained determined to care for our community with urgency and with care - and the community took notice.
Through her many media features, awards and accolades this past year, we are so humbled and appreciative of all the positive support she’s received. Below, get to know Tonia better, and learn about some of this year’s top highlights.
Introducing Tonia: ‘A Steadfast Vision Offering Us Hope’
Read about Tonia’s background and experience, and her vision for The Community Foundation. Hear what it was like starting as CEO during a pandemic and how she is shaping The Community Foundation’s priorities in response to the evolving crisis.
‘Greater Washington Community Foundation Named Permanent CEO,’ Washington Business Journal
‘Meet Tonia Wellons, appointed CEO of a regional nonprofit the day after stay-at-home orders were put in place,’ Washington Business Journal
‘Community Foundation Leaders Talk Rapid Response and Evolving Roles During Crisis,’ Inside Philanthropy
Celebrating Her Leadership: ‘A Collaborator On The Journey Toward Solutions’
Learn about two significant awards Tonia received this year, which honored the incredible community leadership she’s provided amidst the COVID-19 crisis.
Washington Business Journal’s Nonprofit Leader of the Year Award
Named one of Washingtonian Magazine’s ‘Heroes of the Crisis’
Thought Leadership in Action
Last summer, Tonia wrote a Washington Post op-ed with Ursual Wright, Managing Director for FSG, where she referred to the pandemic as a ‘trifecta of crisis:’ health, economic, and democratic. Read more about her views on this crisis - and her perspective from being on the frontlines of philanthropy.
‘How To Reconstruct An Equitable Future For Our Region,’ Washington Post
“From the Frontline: How a Philanthropy Professional Views the COVID-19 Experience,” Washington Life Magazine