David H. Kelly, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Hessmer Community Foundation announced
today that former Board member Dr. Emily V. Burge has been named President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Hessmer Community Foundation. Burge will begin her new position on May 1. In
accepting the position, she said, “The one thing that appealed to me most about this position is the
opportunity to make a significant different in the lives of many citizens in our community. The
Hessmer Community Foundation has an outstanding reputation for using its resources to make an
impact on community needs, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Board to
lead the Foundation to even greater heights.”
Burge has served for the past two years as a financial, strategic planning, and governance
consultant for several non-profit organizations. Her clients believe one of her greatest strengths is
the ability to help an organization develop and sustain a strong strategic direction.
Prior to her consulting position, she served as President and CEO of Central Delaware University’s
five foundations. John P. Mason, President of Central Delaware University praised Burge saying
that her leadership made it possible to pool and manage the investments of the five foundations
jointly, which resulted in significantly improved returns. She also consolidated all back office
operations, which resulted in significant cost savings for all of the foundations. Her move to Rhode
Island was a great loss to the University and the Foundations.
Kelly indicated that Burge’s first priority will be to work with the Board of Trustees on developing
the new strategic plan that was begun several months ago. The background work has been
completed, and the Board is ready to target its resources to make the greatest impact on the
community.
Burge replaces James C. Gibson who resigned to return to Indiana because of family responsibilities.
Kelly thanked Gibson for his many contributions to the Foundation and indicated that he had grown
the Foundation assets by almost $50 million during his tenure.
The Hessmer Community Foundation has assets totaling more than $100 million. This past year the