For over two decades, Alison Barberi has been at the helm of the Greenville Area Community Foundation as President/ CEO. With a focus on collaboration and a commitment to serving the community, she has helped guide the foundation through transformative years. While she is quick to credit the collective efforts of donors, staff, and board members, her leadership has been instrumental in strengthening GACF and ensuring its lasting impact.

When Alison first stepped into her role in 1999, the foundation’s assets were around $6 million, largely built on a major donation. “With Alison’s quiet but sure leadership, families in the community felt comfortable passing along significant additional funds,” shared Dick Ellafrits, a GACF Trustee. “She guided us from $6 million to nearly $50 million, even while awarding close to 5% in grants annually.”

“She is a true asset to our community and the foundation,” added GACF Trustee John Hoppough, “She consistently demonstrates professionalism, good character, reasonable voice, approachable leadership, and, amicable presence. It is an honor to serve with her.”

GACF Board Chair Pete Blinkilde sees Alison’s leadership as a driving force behind the foundation’s growth. “She would immediately say it has been teamwork, and she is correct, but also it is Alison that has developed the team, developed the connections, and has been a staunch advocate of our affiliates. That consistent purpose of development, growth, and advocacy has been our engine for 25 years.”

But Alison credits the growth of the foundation to the community’s generous spirit and a shared purpose. “The generosity of the community remains the same- not only through donations to GACF but through time and treasure helping neighbors or nonprofits. And the GACF Board is diligent in focusing on the greater good of the community. It’s an honor to be a part of it.”

During her time with GACF, Alison has prioritized building strong partnerships—with staff, board members, and the community. GACF Director of Operations Sally Marshall has worked with Alison for over twenty years. “She claims to not be my boss and claims we are a team. She has brought this foundation a long way within the time she has been here,” Sally said. GACF Trustee Amy Homich shares a similar sentiment. “She is a selfless leader that prioritizes her team’s success over personal recognition. The foundation would not be what it is today without her leadership and our community is a better place because of her.”

And as Alison reflects on her role, she finds it is the collaborative efforts that are most memorable. A highlight for her was the Access to Recreation / Circle of Adventure project, a large initiative producing trail enhancements, new universal-access recreation sites, and a mini tunnel museum. “It was a huge undertaking with many collaborations making it all happen,” Alison shared, “And the outcome is something that will positively affect our community for years to come.”

As the foundation celebrates 35 years, Alison’s dedication to community will ensure GACF remains a vital part of the greater Greenville area for both current and future generations. “No one has had more impact,” Blinkide shares with gratitude, “Thank you, Alison.”

As GACF celebrates its 35th anniversary, we bring together the collective stories of donors, nonprofits, students, and community members to demonstrate the power of philanthropy in creating lasting impact and a stronger future