The Community Foundation of Merced County has announced the appointment of its new Executive Director, Stephanie Dietz, a dynamic, compassionate professional with over 19 years of experience in providing community-centered initiatives and programs aimed at addressing thea needs of all residents.
Dietz, who stepped down from her role as city manager of Merced in November, brings experience in strategic planning, service and program design and implementation, and strong state and federal partnerships, resulting in greater investment for Merced County.
For more than 20 years, the Community Foundation of Merced County has been led by an 11-member board of local volunteers, dedicated to bettering the lives of all Merced County residents. Through philanthropic investments and grant making, the foundation works to expand equitable access to health care, increase economic development and job readiness, and targets improving local conditions of poverty, through investments that address food and housing insecurity.
“Mrs. Dietz brings a wealth of local experience in developing strategies to serve the community,” said Bill Cummings, the foundation board president. “She has a proven track record for leveraging grants with state and federal investments to expand financial resources that address Merced’s needs. Stephanie is dedicated to serving Merced County and is a local leader that we are proud to have join the foundation.”
Dietz has a proven track record of working in local government, serving most recently as Merced’s City Manager. Prior to working for the city, she served Merced County for 10 years and UC Merced for 3 years, gaining valuable insight into the way systems provide services at the local level. In addition, she formed partnerships across educational and non-profit sectors to strengthen her understanding of community needs.
“I am excited to join such a dedicated group of leaders at the foundation. I look forward to joining the work of so many outstanding non-profit partners serving our great community.”
Dietz assumed her position on Jan. 2, and a welcome reception was scheduled for Wednesday in downtown Merced just after the Times press deadline this week. Look for more on this story in next week’s edition.