Outgoing board chair Kevin Flint has guided TCFHR through a decade of growth

Most people don’t know that community foundations are required to have a board of directors comprised of local residents. These representatives direct the foundation’s work, investing themselves and their expertise through the philanthropic initiatives that support and benefit the community.

The relationship between the community foundation’s board members, staff, donors and the residents they represent is a “win-win for everyone,” says Revlan Hill, executive director of The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham.

Board chair Kevin Flint with staff at a 2023 event.

That dynamic initially attracted professional advisor Kevin Flint, and it kept him learning, growing and giving back as he contributed to the governance and investment committees, and held vice chair and chair roles. Now, after 10 years on the board, the outgoing board chair ends his tenure with the foundation June 30.

“This place we call home has nurtured and supported me, so I feel compelled to reciprocate by working to enrich our community,” Flint said. “My involvement with TCFHR has helped me understand the real and growing needs across our region, and supporting the foundation means helping to meet those needs in lasting, strategic ways. That’s been a joy to be a part of.”

In addition to a background in commercial banking, community engagement, and portfolio management, Flint has brought to his foundation work extensive experience in advisory roles with the local government. He currently serves on the county’s Economic Development Authority and Planning Commission and spent more than seven years on the Social Services advisory board. He is also an adjunct faculty member with James Madison University’s College of Business.

“All of our board members bring an expertise and a connection to the work of the community foundation, but Kevin really applied himself to learning more,” Hill said. “He has a genuine love for TCFHR, and that has made a real difference in how we’ve progressed and grown over the past ten years. Kevin has been an exceptional chair during a time of growth and challenge.”

A measure of the organization’s growth can be seen in one statistic: In 2016, outgoing grants and scholarships totaled $2.7 million. In 2024, that number exceeded $6.8 million. Behind that number is a major growth in assets — from $31.9 million to $87.9 million — and a variety of challenges that accompany such growth.

“I have also appreciated Kevin’s positive and generous spirit and his wise counsel on so many matters over these years,” said Hill. “He brings a tremendous amount of wisdom and clarity, no matter the circumstances, and he’s always shown a great deal of care and support to me and to the work of the foundation in the most difficult of situations.”

Kevin Flint, board chair, steps down June 30 after 10 years of service to The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham.

She remembers that Flint’s acumen and approach were instrumental in bringing on a large agency fund and in handling several unusual matters that required additional legal and financial expertise.

Among Flint’s highlights are the foundation’s crucial management of relief funds through the COVID-19 pandemic, the expansion of its asset portfolio and correlated grants capacity, and the addition of two initiatives. The Great Community Give has grown into the region’s major giving day; just a few months ago, the event raised a record high $2.2 million for nearly 150 area nonprofits. TCFHR also hosts the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, enrolling 40% of the area’s children.

“I’ve also enjoyed seeing firsthand how the foundation’s partnerships with local professionals have helped donors align their giving with their values in thoughtful, tax-strategic ways,” he said.

Flint says he will always value the relationships he’s built over the years with fellow board members, Hill and the foundation staff.

Looking ahead, Flint hopes to see more visibility and an increased understanding of how much the community foundation offers to the community. “Beyond the initiatives, the foundation offers so much more through endowments, scholarships, and donor-advised funds. TCF is a trusted partner for anyone looking to make a lasting charitable impact, and I want more people to know that.”

Vice chair Cynthia Prieto’s two-year term as board chair begins July 1.