The Grant County Community Foundation proudly announces the hiring of Bernadette Smyth as its new full-time Executive Director. Ms. Smyth has extensive and varied experience as a community development specialist, grant writer, project manager, consultant, and creative writer, editor and professor. She has worked for educational institutions, governmental entities, and non-profits around the world, including NMSU in Las Cruces, Suffolk University in Boston, Gemini Ink in San Antonio, Texas, various organizations in Ireland, and most recently in Washington State. She is a native of Ireland but considers New Mexico her natural U.S. home. 

“We are extremely happy to welcome Bernadette,” stated Fred Barraza, Chairman of the Grant County Community Foundation.

“Her wealth of experience, her knowledge of the needs of non-profits, and her demonstrated talent for bringing new resources to her projects will be tremendous assets for the Foundation. Further, she is a delightful and engaging personality who’ll add a fresh outlook to the Grant County non-profit scene. We very much look forward to working with her and introducing her to the community.”

As Executive Director, Ms. Smyth will oversee the administration of the Community Foundation, work with existing and prospective donors, and seek to expand the Foundation’s long-term capacity to support and sustain area non-profits. “I am so honored to have the opportunity to work with the committed members of this community,” Smyth said. “I’m really impressed with the achievements of the Foundation and look forward to helping build on the innovative work they are doing in the community.” 

The Grant County Community Foundation promotes and facilitates philanthropy to benefit our local community. Its mission is to enrich lives through collective action in southwest New Mexico.  For more information, contact Fred Barraza at 575-313-0376 or via email at fredbarraza@gmail.com.