WEST HARTFORD – Kathryn Gonnerman has been appointed vice president of philanthropy of the Jewish Community Foundation in West Hartford, it was announced recently by JCF President and CEO Jacob Schreiber. Gonnerman, who first joined JCF close to 16 years ago, returns to a full-time position at the organization after a brief stint as its organizational consultant.

Gonnerman has been a member of the Foundation leadership team since joining the organization in December 2013, first serving as marketing and communications director and then directing the Center for Innovative Philanthropy since 2015. She also served as the organization’s interim CEO in 2018. 

“During her tenure, she demonstrated her profound knowledge of philanthropy, a caring heart, and commitment to our partners, donors and community members, which has engendered a deep respect in our community for her and the Foundation,” wrote Schreiber in a letter announcing Gonnerman’s appointment.

Before coming to the Foundation, Gonnerman ran Development Operations at the California Community Foundation, a Los Angeles-based foundation that now has $1.8 billion in assets, in addition to roles in marketing and international education.

“Kathryn’s advanced knowledge of our Jewish community and proven effectiveness in building trusting relationships, strategic planning, management, seeing the big picture and executing her projects is just what the Foundation needs now, as we continue to craft our strategic plan and roll it out later this year,” wrote Schreiber.

A resident of Avon, Gonnerman holds a B.A and M.A. from Yale University in East Asian Studies.