VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Community Foundation recently announced the addition of Phylene Wiggins who will serve as vice president of programs and grants. Wiggins formerly worked at the Santa Barbra Foundation as senior director of community investments.
“Phylene’s expertise in philanthropy and strategic funding will help propel our community forward through charitable giving and helping donors fund community causes. She also will focus on grant-making designed to strengthen our local nonprofit sector,” said Vanessa Bechtel, president and CEO of VCCF.
In her new role at VCCF, Wiggins, a native of Ventura County, will work directly with nonprofits, businesses and public agencies as well as individuals, families, and other types of organizations.
Prior to joining VCCF, Wiggins served on the staff of the Santa Barbara Foundation for nearly 14 years. She has deep knowledge and expertise in the fields of health and social services and has worked with organizations addressing a broad spectrum of community issues.
“Phylene has been an incredible asset to the Santa Barbara Foundation and organizations serving Santa Barbara County for over 14 years. We are pleased that her passion and expertise will be felt by all of those in Ventura County as she takes on this new and important leadership role at the Ventura County Community Foundation,” shared Santa Barbara Foundation President and CEO Ron Gallo.
Most recently, she led the Community Caregiving Initiative, a nationally-recognized, countywide effort to bolster care for an aging population by strengthening family caregivers through integrated health and community-based supports. In addition to her work at the foundation, Wiggins has been involved with a variety of nonprofit organizations for over 30 years in board, staff and volunteer roles.
Prior to joining the Santa Barbara Foundation, Wiggins was an executive and leader in the field of human resources, leading organizational strategies, working on employment policy issues at the state and national levels, and educating various audiences about the importance of strong HR practices.
About VCCF: VCCF invests the charitable capital that drives the philanthropic engines of Ventura County. The foundation was established in 1987 and endeavors to build philanthropy in the region and to give generously for the well-being of all in Ventura County. VCCF invests in the future through scholarships, grant making and collaborative partnerships. For more information or to donate, visit www.vccf.org