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Eau Claire Community Foundation names Wesley Escondo President & CEO

Wesley Escondo. Photo supplied.

Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF) announced Friday the appointment of Wesley Escondo as its new President and CEO. Escondo succeeds Sue Bornick, Executive Director, who will transition into a part-time role focused on development and planned giving.

Prior to joining ECCF, Escondo served as the Chief Executive Officer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin. Under Escondo’s leadership, the agency saw innovative growth in their revenue diversity, program offerings, and in the deployment of youth mentoring to address social-emotional health in our community’s school aged population, according to the release from ECCF.

“I look forward to collaborating with ECCF’s dedicated staff, Board of Trustees, fund holders, donors, and community partners to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of the people we serve,” Escondo said in a statement. “Together, we will continue to strengthen and empower the Eau Claire area.”

ECCF has prospered under Bornick’s leadership. Since she became Executive Director in 2009, ECCF’s assets have more than quadrupled, dozens of new funds have been opened, and hundreds of grants have been awarded. ECCF will continue to benefit from her expertise as she transitions into a new part-time role focused on development and planned giving.   

As President and CEO, Escondo will work closely with ECCF’s Board of Trustees and staff to advance its mission. He will play a crucial role in cultivating donor relationships, expanding ECCF’s grantmaking programs, and ensuring the effective stewardship of funds to address the most critical needs of the Eau Claire community.

ECCF’s Board of Trustees expressed their confidence in Escondo’s ability to lead the organization to new heights. “We are delighted to welcome Wesley Escondo as our new President and CEO,” Board Chair Tom Larson said in a statement. “His exceptional leadership skills, dedication to community development, and track record of success make him the ideal candidate for this role. We believe that under his guidance, ECCF will continue to thrive and create a lasting impact in Eau Claire.”

Escondo will assume his new role on August 7.