Fidelma McGinn Joins The Seattle Foundation as Vice President of Philanthropic Services

SEATTLE, Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fidelma McGinn has joined The Seattle Foundation as vice president of philanthropic services, announced Norman B. Rice, the Foundation's president and chief executive officer.

Formerly executive director of Artist Trust, McGinn now leads a team of nine professionals who advise Seattle Foundation donors on strategic philanthropy, helping them develop giving plans, build their knowledge of community issues, and make impactful grants. A major focus of her role will be identifying new strategies and services to engage Foundation donors and help them become more effective philanthropists. McGinn will also guide the Foundation at the senior leadership level, particularly around exploring new opportunities to drive the Foundation's growth and increase partnerships throughout the philanthropic sector.

"Fidelma's extensive management experience at Microsoft and in the nonprofit sector will be a tremendous asset to The Seattle Foundation," said Rice. "We are delighted that she shares our commitment to strategic, impactful philanthropy and is joining our efforts to inspire informed and generous giving in all areas of a healthy community, from the arts to the environment to education and more."

"I have an unwavering belief that when you connect people with their passion, anything is possible," said McGinn. "Through its grantmaking, knowledge, and community leadership, The Seattle Foundation is a catalyst for these powerful connections and I am excited by the opportunity to help our donors support causes they care about, in ways that truly make King County a better place to work, learn and live."

Prior to joining the Foundation, McGinn served as executive director of three nonprofit organizations: Artist Trust (Seattle), Film Arts Foundation (San Francisco), and 911 Media Arts Center (Seattle). From 1989 to 1997, McGinn held positions in Redmond and Ireland for Microsoft Corporation, where she developed localization strategies for the Desktop Applications Division for products sold around the world.

McGinn has a degree in marketing and communications from the College of Commerce in Dublin and is a graduate of Stanford Graduate Business School's prestigious program for Executive Leadership in the Nonprofit Arts.

Established in 1946, The Seattle Foundation's mission is to create a healthy community through engaged philanthropy, community knowledge and leadership. It is the oldest and largest community foundation in the region, with more than 1,200 family and individual funds and assets in excess of $600 million. The Seattle Foundation awards nearly $50 million in grants each year. Learn more about the Foundation at www.seattlefoundation.org.

SOURCE The Seattle Foundation