Sandy Vargas, CEO of the Minneapolis Foundation since 2007, announced Thursday that she will retire in June of 2016.
During her tenure, the former Hennepin County administrator oversaw grantmaking that rose from $37 million to more than $80 million.
"While the decision to retire from an organization whose mission reflects my own personal passion was a difficult one, I know that the timing is right as we come off an amazing year of celebration and shift our focus to the future," Vargas said in a news release.
The foundation has been celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with a series of large community events. It is one of the nation's oldest and largest community foundations, supporting a wide range of community needs in the city.
"Sandy has been an energetic and passionate advocate for everyone in our community, especially the underrepresented," said Norm Rickeman, chairman of the foundation's board of trustees. "A true community connector, she is a champion for school reform, jobs and civic engagement."
A smooth transition will be afforded with Vargas staying on the job until June, when a new president is expected to step in.
Jean Hopfensperger • 612-673-4511
