The County Foundation has found the successor to previous Executive Director Jefferson Gilbert.

The organization announced Monday Dominique Jones would be stepping into the role vacated when Jefferson Gilbert announced he was stepping away from the role earlier this year.

Jone’s experience in the financial sector and her community-focused approach will be invaluable in promoting the mission and mandate of The County Foundation the group said in a news release.

A Queen’s University alumnus,  Jones has held several roles at chartered banks including branch compliance officer, front line management and personal financial advisor. Most recently she was the Social Finance Specialist for Community Futures working with local small businesses and social enterprises to aid their expansion and development through access to funding and business advisory.

Jones feels the work of The County Foundation will continue to be crucial and looks forward to the opportunity to expand on the mission and increase the level of impact within Prince Edward County and is  “thrilled to be joining such an impactful organization led by a group of dedicated staff and volunteers.”

County Foundation President Brian Beiles added “for the past several years, with a dedicated working Board and a highly committed and hardworking Executive Director and staff, we have built the solid foundation that we have today. In welcoming Dominique as our new Executive Director, we look forward to expanding our relationships and increasing the scope and level of impact in our community.”

Positive community impact is important to Jones and through a partnership with TD Canada Trust and The United Way, she developed and presented financial literacy courses directed to high school students and vulnerable youth to assist in giving the next generation the necessary tools to be successful. Additionally, Dominique volunteers for Alternatives for Women and Community Care for Seniors locally.

The County Foundation is one of 191 community foundations across the country offering leadership and funding to support initiatives that benefit our communities. Their role is to work with and in this community, supporting County citizens and families with a vision for a vibrant and strong Prince Edward County community now and in the future.

Since 2008, The County Foundation has been building permanent endowments and funds to support organizations and people in this community. To date, grants facilitated back to the community have exceeded $3.2 million covering a number of sectors and focussing on the needs our donors and partners want to address.