Leadership

Welcoming Renée Byng Yancey, CFNOVA’s 4^th President and CEO

The Community Foundation welcomed Renée Byng Yancey as its 4th President and CEO on January 29, 2024, following a nationwide search. An experienced nonprofit executive and Northern Virginia resident, Renée brings a wealth of expertise from roles at organizations like the American Institute of Architects, the Urban League of Philadelphia, and the Community Foundation of Southwest Washington, alongside her dedication to equity, education, and community service.

INSIGHT REGION^®

Insight Region® ^® is the Community Foundation’s research center, launched in 2020, providing actionable data and analyses on critical local issues to advance social mobility, equity, inclusive growth, and community resilience in Northern Virginia.

2023-2024 Reports:


Getting By 

• Key Fact: In 2021, 29% of Northern Virginia families struggled with income inadequacy, unable to cover basic needs or childcare.
• Summary: Rising costs forced families across income levels to cut discretionary spending and compromise financial health. Many took on debt, fell behind on bills, or sacrificed essentials like medical care, safe housing conditions, or adequate food.

Economic Impact of Mental Health 

• Key Fact: Over half of Northern Virginia's workforce experienced anxiety or depression as of May 2023, quadrupling economic losses compared to pre-pandemic levels.
• Summary: Mental health challenges among workers surged during the pandemic and remain high, costing Northern Virginia $8 billion annually in unrealized economic output. With a quarter of the workforce in the clinical range of anxiety or depression, intervention and treatment have become critical.

• Key Fact: Social trust in Northern Virginia hit a 5-year low in 2022, with only 33% of residents believing most people could be trusted.
• Summary: Reflecting national trends, social trust in Northern Virginia has significantly declined. In the past three years, residents' belief in others' helpfulness fell by 18%, signaling challenges for social cohesion and economic growth in the region.

• Key Fact: The 2022 Virginia School Survey of Climate and Working conditions shows that one in ten high school students have seriously contemplated suicide in the past year, while one in three have symptoms of recent clinical anxiety.
• Summary: Insight Region was invited to present data from the Youth Mental Health Report at Osborn High School in Manassas City, VA for the Parent E3 Series. The Parent E3 Series is hosted by the City of Manassas Police Department in partnership with the Manassas City Public Schools. Co-presenters for the event included Dr. Brandynicole Brooks-Harris with NAMI Prince William County Community Services and Heather Martinsen, Wellness and prevention Senior Supervisor with Prince William County Community Services. The event was attended by more than 30 youth and their families and more than 20 representatives from local programs and services. The mayor of Manassas City was present and provided positive feedback.

2024 Elevate NOVA Book Circle:

Exploring deeper connections and bridging divides through community dialogue.

Summary: The Community Foundation's 2024 Elevate NOVA Book Circle featured How to Know a Person by David Brooks, launched at the Shape of the Region Conference where Brooks delivered the keynote. This initiative fostered dialogue around the art of seeing and understanding others, aiming to rebuild trust and connections within the Northern Virginia community. Brooks' insights encourage empathy and meaningful interactions, promoting stronger relationships in a fragmented society.  Our Book Circle garnered national attention through invitations to speak to other community foundation leaders at the Council on Foundation’s 2024 “Building Together” conference and earned coverage by The Chronicle of Philanthropy.

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“The power of philanthropy to advance positive change in Northern Virginia is alive and well and filled with possibilities. Together, we will continue to help build a community that works for everyone. I am honored to take on the baton of leadership following Eileen’s successful 18-year tenure. I thank the members of the Board of Directors for this opportunity. My team and I look forward to serving the community with excellence.”