After nearly six years at the helm of one of the largest foundations in Dallas-Fort Worth, David Scullin will step down in March from his role as chief executive officer and president of Communities Foundation of Texas.
“I am proud of what we have achieved toward building a better community and strengthening Texas education,” Scullin said.
Scullin joined the foundation in January 2017 after a 40-year career as a certified public accountant and in leadership roles at consulting firms Deloitte and Arthur Andersen.
Under Scullin’s leadership, the foundation recorded a 118% increase in annual gifts, with more than $205 million donated this year, according to the foundation. Its grants to nonprofit organizations totaled over $165 million this year, a record for the foundation.
“CFT is uniquely well-positioned to build on this momentum and continue this path, driving greater impact across our community, our state and on behalf of Texas students,” Scullin said in a statement.
Since its founding in 1953, the foundation has awarded more than $2.4 billion to efforts aimed at creating thriving communities in North Texas and beyond. It manages more than 1,200 philanthropic funds and is the seventh largest foundation in Texas.
As president and CEO, Scullin grew the foundation’s staff by 76% to 139 employees, making it one of the largest of the nearly 800 community foundations across the country.
“We congratulate him on a renowned and influential career and know that his profound impact on this organization and our work in the North Texas region will be apparent for many years to come,” said board chair Alfreda Norman in a statement.
North Texas Giving Day, one of the foundation’s hallmark fundraising events in September, drove $62.6 million to more than 3,000 local nonprofits from more than 94,000 donors. Donations came from all 50 states and 40 countries. Giving day has raised more than $500 million over the past six years.
The foundation is one of several local funders for The Dallas Morning News’ community-funded journalism initiatives, including teams reporting on education and the arts. The foundation is a fiscal sponsor for The News’ Education Lab and manages the initiative’s donations and how its dollars are spent.
“Dave has been a steadfast supporter of our community journalism initiatives because he understands the value that great local journalism provides to its community,” said Grant Moise, publisher of The News and chief executive of DallasNews Corporation. “CFT has not only been a supporter of our work, but Dave has also been a cheerleader encouraging others to support our journalism. Dave’s passion for our community and his desire to see us reach our full potential will be missed by many.”
The foundation’s chair-elect Richie Butler will guide a national search for Scullin’s successor.
“Dave has presided over a period of unprecedented growth and transformation at Communities Foundation of Texas,” said Butler, senior pastor of St. Luke United Methodist Church in Dallas and founder of Project Unity. “We are deeply grateful ... for what he has done to boost the power of philanthropy across our region.”
