The local nonprofit community is losing a central leader with news Friday that Aaron Falk is stepping down after four years as president and CEO of Kern Community Foundation to take a similar position in South Carolina.
His immediate successor will be Chief Impact Officer Fatima “Teems” Tulfo, who the foundation said will serve as interim CEO during a search for a permanent president and CEO.
Chairwoman Lydia Chaney thanked Falk in a news release crediting him with strengthening the foundation’s programs and building strong relationships with local nonprofits and donors.
“Aaron has done a wonderful job with the foundation’s growth,” Chaney stated. “While we are saddened to see him go, we wish Aaron and his family the absolute best in their upcoming chapter.”
The release said Falk grew the foundation’s scholarship program to more than $1 million while supporting over 120 local nonprofits. It credited him with launching the Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program and leading Borel Fire disaster relief.
Falk’s formal departure date was not reported but he is expected to take his new job in January.
Supporting local nonprofits and administering various programs, the 25-year-old foundation is home to almost 200 charitable funds with assets topping $50 million. It runs Give Big Kern, the community-wide annual philanthropic event.
The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry said in a news release Dec. 16 that, following the retirement of its leader for the last four years, Falk was appointed its president and CEO following a search by executive search firm Kittleman.
“This is a beautiful area with rich heritage,” Falk said in the release. “Community Foundation of the Lowcountry will continue to build on its momentum and tradition of making the Lowcountry a better place to live, work and visit.”