Foundation For The Carolinas CEO Cathy Bessant has announced nonprofit leader Laura Yates Clark will join its team as president of FFTC, reporting directly to her.
Clark has served as president and CEO of United Way of Greater Charlotte since 2018. In her role as President, Clark will work closely with CEO Cathy Bessant and current leadership to set and implement the strategic direction for the organization. Specifically, she will build on FFTC’s civic programming and initiatives to drive community engagement and impact. She will also work to align philanthropic giving with community priorities to accelerate outcomes.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Laura, a longtime community partner, to the Foundation team. Her stellar reputation as a civic and community leader, donor-centric fundraiser and advocate for equity align extremely well with our vision as we work to refine the Foundation’s future,” FFTC CEO Cathy Bessant said. “We are re-imagining our leadership model to most effectively set and carry out our future priorities in service to our fundholders, nonprofit community and region.”
“It has been an honor to lead an incredible organization like United Way, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community,” Laura Yates Clark, United Way president and CEO, said. “As I step into my new role as president of Foundation For The Carolinas, my commitment to the values and goals of the community remains steadfast, as does my commitment to United Way and its partners. I am filled with excitement around this new role and am looking forward to the opportunity to enhance our civic and philanthropic impact.”
At the United Way of Greater Charlotte, Clark led efforts to improve economic mobility and advance racial equity across four counties. Under her leadership, the organization dramatically expanded major community initiatives to foster neighborhood transformation and revitalization, as well as racial equity and social capital. Clark also led the development of a new grants funding process that supports more than 100 local nonprofit partners and programs.
“Reflecting on the departure of our CEO is truly bittersweet. Laura has played an instrumental role in putting United Way on solid footing, fostering growth, and strengthening partnerships within our community,” Raj Natarajan, United Way board chair and partner with McGuireWoods, said. “We are excited that Laura will continue to provide leadership in our nonprofit community. As we bid her farewell, we’re grateful for the foundation laid and the strengthened partnerships forged. With a dedicated team and board in place to navigate our next steps, we’re confident that United Way is in good hands moving forward.”
Clark previously served as CEO of the Renaissance West Community Initiative, director of the Larry King Center at Charlotte’s Council for Children’s Rights, and in previous roles at the United Way of Greater Charlotte. She previously chaired the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Charlotte Branch, and currently serves on the United Way of North Carolina and Purpose Built Communities boards of directors.
