Jim LaGraffe Named New Executive Director of Northern Piedmont Community Foundation

[Warrenton, VA, November 2024] — The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation (NPCF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim LaGraffe as Executive Director, effective January 2025. A dedicated leader with a strong record of innovative, community-centered achievements, LaGraffe steps into the role as Jane Bowling-Wilson retires after a decade of transformative growth.

With a deep understanding of regional needs, LaGraffe brings over 30 years of experience in public service, most recently as Executive Director of Encompass Community Supports. Under his leadership, Encompass increased its revenue by 80%, implemented stigma-free entry to behavioral health services, and reduced opioid-related emergency visits by more than 20%. LaGraffe also spearheaded strategic initiatives such as the Zero Suicide program and collaborated with local law enforcement on mental health crisis response, demonstrating his commitment to addressing complex community challenges with creativity and compassion.

LaGraffe’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for NPCF, which has grown its managed assets to over $41 million and supported initiatives like Give Local Piedmont, an annual giving event benefiting hundreds of local nonprofits. Outgoing Executive Director Bowling-Wilson leaves behind a legacy of expanded grantmaking, increased donor engagement, and new initiatives such as the Youth in Philanthropy program, empowering young people to make an impact in their community.

Reflecting on his new role, LaGraffe shared, “I am honored to have been selected as the next Director of the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation. The Foundation holds a unique place in its ability to connect those individuals who are passionate on making this a better community for all of us who live here. The opportunity to be able to build on the excellent work of the previous director Jane Bowling-Wilson and the staff, increase community connections and enhance the reach and resources of the Foundation is truly exciting and something I am very much looking forward to beginning.”

NPCF looks forward to welcoming Jim LaGraffe and invites the community to join in this new phase of impactful leadership and support for local needs.

Established in 2000, the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation is a public charity that builds philanthropic capital to enhance and preserve the quality of life in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties and to strengthen the region’s nonprofit organizations.