Lincoln Community Foundation Names New CEO

The Lincoln Community Foundation’s Board of Directors today announced the selection of Tracy Edgerton as its new President & Chief Executive Officer. The Board voted unanimously to approve the search committee’s recommendation in naming Edgerton to the position. She will succeed Alec Gorynski, who has served as president for the past two years. 

Throughout her career, Edgerton has led efforts to build community by investing in relationships. She has more than 25 years of experience in planned gift fundraising, nonprofit management, law, and estate and tax planning. Before her appointment to lead the Foundation, Edgerton served as its Vice President of Philanthropy Services and General Counsel. 

“Tracy has played an integral role in the Foundation’s growth over the past eight years,” said Foundation Board Chair Mark Hesser. “With her extensive background in philanthropy, strong community relationships and passion for facilitating positive change, she is uniquely positioned to lead the organization.” 

In her role as Vice President of Philanthropy Services, Edgerton served on the Foundation’s leadership team and managed its development and fundraising programs. Edgerton worked directly with donors and their professional advisors to develop comprehensive gift planning strategies based on their individual goals and led conversations with local leaders, city government and other organizations to develop strategies for collaboration and problem solving on community needs and opportunities. 

Edgerton also employed her legal expertise to create, revise and review Foundation policies and procedures and led organizational efforts to ensure use of best practices through certification via the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. Prior to her work at the Foundation, she managed the gift planning program at the University of Nebraska Foundation for more than 10 years. 

Complementing her professional experience, Edgerton has served on various civic and volunteer associations including the Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission, Charitable Gift Planners of Nebraska, Nebraska State Bar Association and the Lincoln Estate Planning Council. She volunteers as a Lincoln TeamMates mentor and has served on the Abendmusik at First Plymouth board of directors.  

“Eight years ago, I was eager to join the incredible team of professionals at the Foundation who come to work every day to serve the organization and our community,” said Edgerton. “I am now excited to serve the Foundation in a different way as we work together with focus and innovation to build on the momentum of the past and create a better tomorrow.” 

Edgerton is a graduate of UNL’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications and the University of Iowa College of Law. She will assume the role of President/CEO in August 2024. 

About Lincoln Community Foundation 

Through partnerships and collaboration, Lincoln Community Foundation facilitates positive change for the common good. Since 1955, the Foundation has been privileged to be part of many wonderful legacies by connecting donor generosity to local needs. With gifts of all sizes from thousands of donors over the years, the assets of the Foundation have grown to more than $235 million. The Foundation has distributed more than $237 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that improve the lives of Lincoln’s residents. Lincoln Community Foundation is accredited by the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations®. Learn more at www.LCF.org.