Ashley Swearengin
President and CEO
Meet the CEO
Oversees the overall management and direction of the Central Valley Community Foundation, ensuring that CVCF makes progress every day towards accomplishing our mission: to cultivate smart philanthropy, lead, and invest in solutions that build stronger communities.
Ashley Swearengin is president and CEO of the Central Valley Community Foundation, a charitable foundation serving the six counties of Central California and providing over $100 million in funding to over 650 community benefit organizations over the last decade. Prior to joining CVCF, she served as Mayor of the City of Fresno from 2009 through 2016. As mayor, she implemented substantial changes to improve the delivery of city services, revitalize the downtown and urban core, promote business and job growth, address chronic homelessness, and stabilize the city’s financial position. Before becoming mayor, Ashley led a number of economic development initiatives in the Fresno region, including the Central Valley Business Incubator, Fresno State’s Office of Community and Economic Development, and the Regional Jobs Initiative. She holds MBA and BS degrees from California State University, Fresno.
Ann-Marie Padilla
Programs Associate
Phone: 559-825-6194
annmarie@centralvalleycf.org
Works externally with applicants and grantees and internally with program, finance, and legal staff to structure and complete processing of grantmaking and scholarship requirements.
Candice Troutman
Community Engagement Associate
Phone: 559-226-5600
candice@centralvalleycf.org
Performs administrative duties at the front desk and manages the coordination and scheduling of events with community partners at CVCF.
Claudia Ruiz-Alvarez
Director of Donor Services
Phone: 559-825-6182
claudia@centralvalleycf.org
Focuses on providing exceptional and differentiated service to donors, prospective donors, nonprofit organizations, and colleagues. Claudia carries out CVCF’s mission by facilitating the establishment and effective operation of donor-advised, designated, scholarship and agency funds.
David Johnson
Special Projects/Crop Gifting
Phone: 559-825-6187
david@centralvalleycf.org
Implements and directs initiatives related to donor stewardship, fiscal management, and project management.
Elliott Balch
Chief Operating Officer (C.O.O.)
Phone: 559-825-6192
elliott@centralvalleycf.org
Coordinates grantmaking, community engagement, and policy work; recruits staff talent; and designs and implements strategies for program growth.
Gretchen Moore
Director of Community Engagement
Phone: 559-825-6188
gretchen@centralvalleycf.org
Directs community engagement and communications activities in cooperation with CVCF staff, community partners, funders, and grantees.
Kerri Horn
Chief Finance Officer (C.F.O.)
Phone: 559-825-6180
kerri@centralvalleycf.org
Provides accountability of the financial affairs of CVCF and serves as the chief financial advisor regarding fiscal resources and outlays. Kerri directs, administers, and coordinates policies and procedures related to: finance and investment management, safeguarding of assets, and compliance with internal controls.
Nikki Henry
Policy Director
Phone: 559-825-6191
nikki@centralvalleycf.org
Directs and implements the Foundation’s projects focused on the Central Valley’s human capital. Nikki works with community leaders across the Valley on improving systems and outcomes in the areas of education, workforce, early care, public health, mental health, and homelessness alleviation.
Phuong Bui
Staff Accountant
Phone: 559-825-6184
phuong@centralvalleycf.org
Executes a variety of administrative, data, and accounting tasks to support grantmaking and finance.
Travis Jeffus
Senior Staff Accountant
Phone: 559-825-6193
travis@centralvalleycf.org
Executes a variety of accounting and financial control monitoring duties for CVCF. Travis ensures proper accounting for gifts, grants, and other financial transactions, thereby safeguarding the integrity of CVCF’s funds.