A pair of longtime nonprofit advocates in San Joaquin County are taking on new leadership roles as two foundations prepare to enter their “next chapter” in May.
In a joint news release this week, the Lodi Community Foundation announced the appointment of Louis Ponick as its first president and CEO and the San Joaquin Community Foundation tabbed Michael Duffy for the same role.
Duffy, a native Stocktonian and retired financial executive who was named Philanthropist of the Year by San Joaquin Magazine in 2022, will take on his new role beginning May 1. He has worked alongside his nonprofit peers to raise $1 million to the Stockton Strong Funds and, in 2023, was honored as Stocktonian of the Year by the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce and the Central Valley Association of Realtors.
“I’m especially passionate about our region’s future and all the opportunities it brings — be it youth development, fostering the regional healthcare system, increasing local economic opportunity, and simply making the 209 a better place to live,” Duffy said in the release.
Ponick, who has worked at SJCF for over five years, including as interim CEO since last September, will assume leadership of LCF beginning May 27. A graduate of Leadership Lodi, Ponick helped grow the San Joaquin foundation’s assets from $18 million to over $40 million during his tenure
“I have spent my professional life in the nonprofit sector, and nothing has been more rewarding than my time working with community foundations,” he said in the release. “I’m honored to lead the Lodi Community Foundation as we build strong partnerships, support nonprofits, and invest in a vibrant future for our city and beyond.”
Peter Ragsdale, chair of the SJCP board, welcomed both leaders.
“Both of our organizations are fortunate to have two exceptional leaders stepping into these roles,” Ragsdale said in the release. “Our board is deeply grateful for Louis’s leadership during a time of transition, and we’re equally excited to welcome Michael and his wealth of experience as we enter our next chapter.”
The SJCF manages $41 million in assets, while the LCF is expected to surpass $40 million in 2025.