Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF) today announced that Executive Vice President of Community Impact Erica Wood will step down from her role to pursue new opportunities after 17 years with the organization in a variety of roles. SVCF has appointed Gina Dalma to succeed Wood in the role of Executive Vice President, Strategy, Policy and Community Action.
Since joining SVCF in 2003, Wood has been a driving force behind SVCF’s growth and success in responding to the Bay Area’s most challenging issues. During her tenure, she helped lead the community foundation through an unparalleled merger, provided key leadership to several departments, and worked alongside community partners to help SVCF advance issues of economic security, early learning, education, immigration and land use planning.
“It has been an honor to have served at the community foundation for the last 17 years,” said Wood. I am filled with immense gratitude for the opportunities that SVCF has given me to evolve my career path and to work on issues that advance the common good for our communities.”
“Anyone who has worked with Erica knows of her deep commitment to creating a better community and has admired her steadfast ability to assemble all the right partners to tackle tough issues – like abusive payday lending, early learning inequities or poor disaster preparedness on San Mateo County’s coastside – inclusively and effectively.” said Nicole Taylor, president and CEO of Silicon Valley Community Foundation. “I am grateful for all that she has contributed to our organization and to our communities. Her leadership and vision will be greatly missed by SVCF’s board of directors, staff, and community partners.”
For Wood’s role, SVCF has promoted Gina Dalma to Executive Vice President of Strategy, Policy and Community Action. Dalma, who currently serves as SVCF’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Special Advisor to the CEO, also has an established tenure with SVCF, having celebrated her 12-year anniversary at the community foundation in May 2020. Prior to leading SVCF’s public policy agenda, Dalma was director of the community foundation’s grantmaking team and also previously served as program officer for SVCF’s education grantmaking.
Of the succession plan, both Taylor and Wood said that Dalma stepping into the role was a natural fit.
“This transition allows Gina to maximize her deep experience with our community impact work and her expertise in public policy to help our organization achieve our highest priority strategic initiatives,” Taylor said. “Gina has been an invaluable advisor for me since my arrival at SVCF in 2019, and everyone — from our staff to our community partners — can attest to her talent and commitment to our communities. I look forward to her continued success in her new role.”
Wood’s last day at SVCF will be June 15, 2020, upon which Dalma will fill the role immediately.