Lincoln Community Foundation Names New CEO

The Lincoln Community Foundation’s Board of Directors today announced the selection of Alec Gorynski as its new President & Chief Executive Officer. The Foundation’s board voted unanimously to approve the search committee’s recommendation in naming Gorynski to the position. He will succeed Barbara Bartle who has served as president for the past 12 years and will retire at the end of December. 

Throughout his career, Gorynski has led efforts to maximize community impact through philanthropy, planning, and collaboration. He has more than 15 years of experience working across private, nonprofit, and government sectors. 

“Alec brings the right energy and experience to continue the positive direction that the Lincoln Community Foundation has taken under Barbara Bartle’s leadership,” said Foundation Board Chair, Kim M. Robak. “His skills in developing relationships and building coalitions will help continue the growth of the Foundation.” 

Before his appointment to lead the Foundation, Gorynski served as the Vice President of Community Development and Corporate Philanthropy for First National Bank of Omaha and was President of the First National Community Development Corporation. He headed the bank’s efforts to be an agent of positive change in the communities they served in a seven-state region. Previous roles include Vice President of Regional Community Affairs for Bank of the West and Deputy Grant Administrator in the Omaha Mayor’s Office.  

Complementing his professional experience, Gorynski is a co-founder and board member of Spark and Spark Capital, affiliated community development and lending organizations. He has served on boards and committees for many nonprofit organizations including Omaha 100, Nebraska Arts Council, the Nebraska Highway Commission, the Omaha Community Foundation, and the Lincoln Community Foundation Affordable Housing Fund advisory committee. 

“I am honored to be selected to lead the Lincoln Community Foundation for its next chapter and generation of impact,” said Gorynski. “The Foundation has a great reputation and strong track record, which is due to the leadership of Barbara and her team. I hope to honor her, the staff, the donors, and all the stakeholders of the Foundation with my work ahead.”  

Originally born and raised in Lincoln, Alec moved to Kansas in his teen years and returned to Nebraska to attend college. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Peru State College. Alec and his wife Laura have three young children. 

Gorynski’s appointment concludes a four-month national search process completed by a search committee. He will assume the role of President/CEO in December 2021.