Lifelong resident tapped as president

Staff report

Youngstown

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley selected lifelong Mahoning Valley resident Shari L. Harrell as its new president.

Harrell succeeds Patricia Brozik, who will retire in June after leading the foundation since its inception in 2001. Harrell will assume her new duties July 8.

“We’re starting a new chapter,” said Phillip B. Dennison, chairman of the foundation board and a principal at Packer Thomas. “Shari brings impressive experience that will accelerate our efforts to enhance the quality of life for residents of the Valley.

“Patty’s work over the past 12 years has laid a great foundation for this expansion. On behalf of all the current and past board members of the foundation, we want to thank Patty for all she has done.”

Harrell, of Warren, most recently was executive director of the Warren YWCA, where she spearheaded a revitalization effort and launched a $2.1 million supportive-housing project.

Harrell’s leadership has included serving on boards of several organizations, including the Trumbull Memorial Hospital Foundation, Upton Association and Warren City Schools Board of Education. She also is a winner of the Mahoning Valley Athena Award.

As president of the Community Foundation, Harrell will manage its fundraising and grant-making activities. The 12-year-old foundation has more than $12.5 million in assets, with an additional $26.7 million held by supporting organizations. With 100 funds, the foundation attracted public support of $2.2 million during 2012.