Meet GCF's Board & Staff

The Community Foundation’s Board of Directors is made up of well-respected individuals and community leaders who govern the Foundation; establish policy; set priorities; and make final grant decisions. All members are volunteers whose terms of service are explicit to the Foundation’s policy, and the Foundation ensures that the Board represents a diverse range of views and knowledge.

Our Board of Directors

• Tim Efird, Chairman
• Fred Jackson, Vice Chairman
• Laurie Ness, Secretary/Treasurer
• May Barger
• Kathleen Boyce
• Robert Caldwell
• Rick Craig, Past Chairman
• Christa Heilig
• Dr. Ben Hinton
• Danny Jackson
• Gayle Kersh
• Vann Matthews, II
• Nancy B. Paschall
• Robert Pearson
• May Robinson
• David Rogers
• Dr. Ramada Smith
• A. Marsh Spencer, IV
• D. Harding Stowe
• Anderson D. Warlick
• Dr. Johnathan D. Williams

Legal counsel

John D. Kersh

The Community Foundation staff are experienced professionals dedicated to the organization’s mission and values. Meet your philanthropic team: 

Our Staff

Ernest Sumner

What Ernest does at the Foundation

Ernest is the Community Foundation’s President.  He touches all programs involving the Foundation and guides the organization with integrity and hard-work. Ernest’s long-time history with the Foundation ameliorates his ability to create visionary leadership for the Foundation and Gaston County as a whole.

When Ernest isn’t working



“When I am not at the Foundation, I enjoy being with family and friends, reading, travel, home projects and living and promoting Gastonia; a great community where I have spent most of my life.”

Ernest W. Sumner

President

esumner@cfgaston.org

Erin C. Wiggins

Erin is the Foundation’s Programs Officer. Her main priority is managing the Foundation's grantmaking programs including the Community Foundation Run. Erin works diligently to provide needed funds for people and nonprofits in the community. Erin is also the coordinator for Teens Changing Gaston County.

 When Erin isn’t working

"I enjoy being with my family and friends, spending time outdoors- particularly with my two sweet dogs, and dreaming up my next travel excursion to a new destination.”

Erin Cashwell Wiggins

Programs Officer

ewiggins@cfgaston.org

Angela Micalizzi

What Angela does at the Foundation

Angela is the Foundation’s Financial Officer. Her spirited personality brings life to the numbers she works with to ensure trustworthy transactions and grants on a personal level. Angela is dedicated to work with each fund quickly and professionally.

When Angela isn’t working



“I enjoy spending time with my husband, spoiling my pets, gardening and outdoor activities.”

Angela Micalizzi

Financial Officer

amicalizzi@cfgaston.org

Nina Greene

Nina is the Coordinator for the First Gaston Foundation Fund, the Albert G. Myers Scholarship Fund, and the Community Foundation's Scholarship Officer.  For over 29 years she has provided guidance and support to the fund recipients (students and nonprofits alike) establishing valuable relationships within the schools systems and community.

Elizabeth Patton

What Elizabeth does at the Foundation

Elizabeth is the Foundation’s Donor Development Officer. She focuses on relationships with fund holders and community partners. Elizabeth can often be found at nonprofit events throughout the community spreading the fever of philanthropy and goodwill.

When Elizabeth isn’t working



“I adore spending time with my family, especially my yellow Lab, Max; reading a book on the beach; being outdoors; and experiencing/baking all kinds of food- mostly those foods involving chocolate.”

Elizabeth Patton

Donor Development Officer

epatton@cfgaston.org

Josie Newcombe

What Josie does at the Foundation

Josie serves as the Foundation’s Office administrator. She is the friendly face greeting you when you walk through our doors and is an integral part of our client services and communications. Josie has a passion for bettering our community, which she channels into all her work at the Foundation.

When Josie isn’t working



“I spend most of my free time trying to get outside with my dog. I love to hike, camp, visit with my family and friends and you can often find me at the beach during almost any season.”

Josie Miller

Office Administrator

jnewcombe@cfgaston.org