The Foundation for Delaware County has elected two new board members, Kevin Dow and Donna Crilley Farrell, to the Foundation’s board of directors.

Several officers were also reappointed to the board of directors. They are: Chairman Cyrise L. Dixon, Vice Chair Michael B. Magnavita, CPA; Secretary Ted Peters, and Treasurer Kelly Thornton.

“We are thrilled to have Kevin and Donna join the Foundation’s board of directors. Their experience and leadership will help us continue providing resources and leadership to address the challenges facing the diverse communities throughout our county,” said Foundation President Frances Sheehan.

“It is an exciting time for the Foundation. In the past year, the Foundation finalized a new four-year strategic plan, launched the first-ever Delco Gives Day (raising more than $1.7M), received full reaccreditation from the Community Foundations National Standards, distributed more than $2M in funding to nonprofits, and much more.

“The continuity of our officers and the experience of our new board members will be real assets as we look toward our second annual Delco Gives next year and continue to work with key stakeholders to address challenges for Delaware County.”

Kevin Dow

Kevin Dow of Radnor is the executive director of the Regional Foundation, a philanthropic organization focused on neighborhood revitalization in low-wealth communities.

In this role, Dow shepherds an organization with over $100 million in endowed assets and 40 grantee partners.  He leads a team focused on building partnerships with organizations that take a resident-centered approach to their programs and processes by engaging grassroots people and leadership.

Prior to leading the Regional Foundation, Dow was appointed to a dual role as the senior deputy director and chief operating officer of the Commerce Department for the City of Philadelphia to coordinate strategies and business-friendly tactics to attract and retain both small businesses and major corporations in Philadelphia.

In 2014, Dow joined the executive leadership of United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey where he led a team investing more than $150 million in resources across two states, developing and executing strategies that addressed critical needs in local communities to reduce inter-generational poverty.

In addition to the Foundation’s board, Dow is currently on the board of the Cencora Impact Foundation, Fleisher Art Memorial, Harcum College, and Philadelphia Advisory Board for the Local Initiatives Support Corporation. He is also a founding member of the Philadelphia Black Giving Circle and is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

Donna Crilley Farrell

Donna Crilley Farrell of Springfield is senior vice president of Corporate Communications for Independence Blue Cross (IBX). She oversees communications strategy as well as media and public relations. Under her leadership, IBX has earned regional and national recognition for its communications campaigns.

Before joining IBX in 2016, Farrell served as the executive director of the World Meeting of Families — Philadelphia 2015, the global event that brought Pope Francis and visitors from around the world to Philadelphia.

Farrell began her career as a television reporter and anchor for several stations, including WB17 in Philadelphia. She later served as director of communications for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Farrell has been recognized as a leader in serving her community, including numerous accolades for leading the World Meeting of Families and representing the City of Philadelphia in the high-caliber international event.

She was named “Citizen of the Year” by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce for bringing tremendous exposure to the region, and she received the papal honor, the Benemerenti Medal, from Pope Francis.

She was also awarded the Commodore John Barry Award for her contributions to the community and profession; the Good Scout Communications Award from the Cradle of Liberty Council, Boy Scouts of America; and the Public Relations Society of Philadelphia Integrity Award.

Foundation Board Officers

Cyrise L. Dixon is currently the Community Violence Intervention coordinator for CASA Youth Advocates. She was the first female patrol officer in the City of Chester and served as the chief operating officer for the City of Chester and before that the chief of staff for the Chester Police Department.

Michael B. Magnavita is president and CEO of Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union.

Kelly Thornton of Newtown Square is a recently retired partner in the Philadelphia office of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).

Ted Peters of Bryn Mawr is chairman and CEO of Bluestone Financial Institutions Fund and former chairman and CEO of Bryn Mawr Bank Corporation and the Bryn Mawr Trust Company.

About The Foundation for Delaware County

The Foundation for Delaware County is the largest grantmaking philanthropy in Delaware County. The Foundation offers support and resources for nonprofits of every size, helps generous people give with more impact, brings together funders, nonprofits, and elected officials to address critical community problems, and responds to major challenges and crises as they arise.

In addition to grant funding, the Foundation operates the Center for Nonprofit Excellence to strengthen Delaware County’s nonprofit community through training workshops and peer learning opportunities.

The Foundation encourages philanthropy by connecting donors to worthy causes through efficient charitable giving vehicles like donor-advised and scholarship funds.

On May 8-9, 2024, the Foundation launched Delaware County’s first 24-hour online giving day, Delco Gives Day, raising more than $1.7 million from more than 9,600 donors for 281 nonprofits.

In addition, the Foundation operates the public health programs Healthy Start, the WIC nutrition program, and Nurse-Family Partnership, as well as the Housing Opportunities Program for Equity (HOPE), El Centro (a Hispanic resource center) and a health resource center for students in the Chester Upland School District.

To learn more, visit the Foundation at www.delcofoundation.org and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X at @DelcoFdn.