Mary Jalonick, Charitable Force and Head of The Dallas Foundation, to Step Down After 30 Years

Mary Jalonick, who has overseen The Dallas Foundation's growth into a major community force, will step down as president and CEO this year after 30 years with the organization.The longtime civic leader is making the announcement with some sorrow but also eagerness for what lies ahead, as she plans to continue her work as a proponent for quality early-education programs.In 1987, when she began as the foundation's s first full-time employee, it had little more than $15 million and a part-time accountant.Under her leadership, The Dallas Foundation has grown into a charitable powerhouse with 19 employees, hundreds of donors and unrestricted funds totaling about $340 million. It is the oldest community foundation in Texas."Mary's contributions to The Dallas Foundation are immeasurable," said Jim Moroney, chairman of The Dallas Foundation Board of Governors and publisher of The Dallas Morning News. "She is a visionary whose leadership, high ethical standards and warm, gracious demeanor have shaped our philanthropic community."J. Puckett, who runs the global education practice for Boston Consulting Group, met Jalonick in 2003 when he helped the foundation develop its strategy and continued to work with her over the years, until recently even chairing the foundation board."She's a connector," Puckett said. "Impact-focused. Service-oriented. In many ways, she is synonymous with philanthropy in Dallas."  Continue reading...

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