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Community Foundation promotes two long-time staff members

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters

November 11, 2023 4:00 AM

Rachael Chacon is now working as the senior director of operations and communication, and Sarah Lowry was promoted to be the new senior director of community impact. Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley is all about investing in Valley businesses, initiatives and programs to improve the quality of life for all residents.

Current president Shari Harrell announced two long-time Community Foundations employees have been promoted to new higher management positions in the organization.

Rachael Chacon is now working as the senior director of operations and communication, and Sarah Lowry was promoted to be the new senior director of community impact.

“Rachael and Sarah have shared their skills and expertise with the Foundation for many years and have both contributed to our overall growth and strategic direction,” said Harrell, who plans to retire as president of CFMV in the spring of 2024. “We are lucky to have them as a part of our team and are excited to see them take on these new and more challenging roles.”

Learning more about Rachael Chacon and Sarah Lowry

“These promotions acknowledge work that each of these team members has already been doing as well as add responsibilities that support CFMV’s strategic direction and help make stronger connections to the community we serve,” said Casey Krell, incoming president of CFMV. “Sarah and Rachael will be integral to our efforts to move the Foundation forward in a strategic way while consistently responding to what community members tell us they need.”

Chacon has been with the Community Foundation since 2016.

She’s served in various roles in the foundation as development and marketing director. She used to work at the Beatitude House, a local housing organization for families experiencing homelessness.

A significant part of Chacon’s role is putting a communication strategy into practice for the foundation.

She’s also in charge of technology, human relations and facility management.

In Lowry’s former role as director of the healthy community partnership, she’s led the way to cultivate solid and diverse relationships and bring community issues to the table.

Lowry’s new position was designed to include her continued partnership support while enhancing CFMV’s commitment to strategic grant investments, community leadership and advocacy.

Lowry now leads the development and implementation of strategic grant-making at the Community Foundation.

She’ll work with community organizations to see how the foundation can help financially bolster their work through grants and scholarships.