Bill Wells, a vice president for regional commercial banking at TD Bank, has been named to the board of directors at the Community Foundation of South Jersey.
CFSJ works with South Jersey philanthropists, local nonprofits and neighbors to build capital, contribute assets and create permanent endowments for impact in perpetuity. CFSJ makes grants and builds leadership within the region to create thriving, equitable and livable communities for all.
The Community Foundation creates philanthropy vehicles — advised funds, issue funds, designated agency funds, scholarships and other fund types to make grants for charitable impact. CFSJ provides charitable gift-planning vehicles and assistance to support professional advisors such as attorneys, accountants, brokers, bankers, trust officers, life insurance agents, financial planners and more. CFSJ works with generous families and businesses, including nonprofit organizations, to build endowments that grow and benefit the region forever.
Wells said he’s ready to contribute.
“I am excited to use the knowledge I have gathered to assist in pursuing the vision of CFSJ,” he said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with fellow board members and to enhance the foundation’s efforts to build informed philanthropic efforts in the area.”
Executive Director Andy Frazier welcomed Wells.
“I am grateful to Bill for sharing his skills and leadership gifts with the Community Foundation,” he said. “His experience and relationships in the finance industry help CFSJ develop insights to support professional advisors in the South Jersey region.”
Board Chair Lois Greco agreed.
“Bill brings valuable knowledge, a fresh perspective and a commitment to grow regional philanthropy. His ideas and insights will open relationships and help build connections and programs for the Community Foundation as a philanthropy partner for regional impact,” she said.
Board leadership:
- Chair: Greco (Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities);
- Vice chair: Lori Pepenella (Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce);
- Secretary: Valeria Galarza (ALTA Impact Partners);
- Treasurer: Justin Van Fleet (Marcum LLP).
Other members:
- Joseph Atkinson (PwC LLP);
- Qawi Austin (Q&A Thought Partners LLC);
- Alisa Cooper (New Jersey Casino Control Commission);
- Wanda Hardy (Financial Wellness Institute);
- Teresa Giménez (University of Pennsylvania);
- Jeremy Grunin (Grunin Foundation);
- Evan Linhardt (Alliance Bernstein).
The Community Foundation envisions an eight-county region thriving where all neighbors aspire, succeed, participate and give. The vision is realized as CFSJ inspires generosity, manages and deploys permanent charitable assets, and exercises collaborative leadership to create a more equitable region. Currently, CFSJ manages charitable assets of more than $75 million. Since 2020, CFSJ grants to charitable organizations and initiatives total more than $13 million and more than $830,000 in scholarships for college education.