Brazas to lead mountain funder

September 25, 2009

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina has tapped Elizabeth Brazas, a lawyer and banking executive, to take over as president effective Nov. 1.

Brazas will succeed Pat Smith, who is retiring after 25 years with the foundation.

Brazas, a graduate of Davidson College and the University of South Carolina School of Law, has worked at Wachovia Bank and the Threshold Group.

combining philanthropic, legal and wealth management experience. Her early career as an estate attorney and trust officer developed well-honed skills in compliance, budgeting, strategic planning, marketing, work plan development, implementation and measurement.

Under Smith, the foundation's first full-time president, its assets grew to over $130 million from $5 million.

The foundation has made over $100 million in grants to nonprofits and represents 18 western North Carolina counties.

 

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