By Sharon Closius / August 15, 2026

Welcome to “Around Our Valley”

I am  often asked what makes the Valley special. My answer is always the same. It’s the people.

Throughout my career, I’ve met individuals, families, business owners, volunteers, and nonprofit leaders who care deeply about this community. They give their time, share their resources, work through difficult problems, and step forward when help is needed. Those relationships have shaped the way I think about philanthropy, leadership, and the responsibility we have to one another.

As President and CEO of the Valley Community Foundation (VCF), I have the privilege of working alongside donors, nonprofit leaders, and community partners throughout the region. I see firsthand what local organizations are accomplishing and I also see what becomes possible when people come together around a clear need or a good idea.

In this space, I'll share what I'm seeing Around our Valley -- the people, organizations, ideas, and challenges that are shaping the Valley towns we love.

I’ll share what I’m seeing across our communities, recognize the organizations and people doing important work, and offer my perspective on philanthropy, collaboration, and long-term stewardship. I’ll also talk about initiatives such as 25 for the Next 25, which is focused on growing VCF’s unrestricted charitable resources. The funds that give the VCF flexibility to respond when new needs arise, support promising opportunities, and continue investing in the Valley over time.

The Valley has never lacked people who are willing to show up and do the work. If this blog helps more people understand the challenges we face, the opportunities ahead, and the remarkable work happening every day across our communities, then it will have done exactly what I hoped.

Thank you for reading. I hope you'll stop by often as we continue the conversation and take a look Around Our Valley.
 

In Community,

Sharon Closius
President & CEO