Philanthropy WV Hires New President & CEO

After a competitive nationwide search, Philanthropy West Virginia is proud to announce the hiring of its new President and CEO, Jennie Smith-Peers.

Jennie comes to us from Iona Senior Services in Washington, D.C. where she has served as the Director of Development and Communications for the past five years. Prior to that, Ms. Smith-Peers was the Executive Director of the National Center for Creative Aging.

Her background in senior services and the arts bring fresh perspectives to the Philanthropy WV offices, accompanied by extensive experience in non-profit operations, board development, budgeting, and fundraising. 

“I could not be more grateful to accept this position to join Philanthropy WV”, said Ms. Smith-Peers. “As we look ahead, the organization is poised to advance its vision and build on the tremendous momentum of the previous CEO, Paul Daugherty. I am humbled to have the opportunity to advance our important mission to help ensure that communities around the Mountain State thrive.”

Philanthropy WV is thrilled to have such an extraordinary leader joining our team to strengthen philanthropy in West Virginia. With Jennie’s leadership we know that Philanthropy WV’s future will hold great things. Her deep commitment to fostering equity, inclusion, joy, innovation, transparency, and collaboration were key elements in our decision to choose Ms. Smith-Peers as our next President & CEO. 

Our organization has a legacy of twenty-nine incredible years of leadership in the WV philanthropic community. As Jennie takes the helm and we prepare to celebrate our thirtieth anniversary, we can’t wait to get to work on the many new projects and partnerships we have in store to benefit you – our members, partners, and friends. 

Please be on the lookout for an introductory message from our new President & CEO when she officially joins the organization in early October. Until then, we thank you for all of your support during our leadership transition. 

For questions or inquiries, please contact our Program & Engagement Manager, Abigail E. Miller, at abigail@philanthropywv.org.