Pasadena Community Foundation CEO to Step Down After Two Decades

Jennifer DeVoll, President and CEO of Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF), has announced her plans to retire in June 2025 after 22 years at the helm. Board Chair Maggie Sabbag made the announcement on August 1, 2024, describing DeVoll’s tenure as a period of exceptional leadership and significant growth.

Under DeVoll’s stewardship since 2002, PCF’s assets have grown from $16 million to $180 million, with grant programs expanding from two to eleven, now supporting countless scholarships. Sabbag praised DeVoll’s vision and integrity, noting that her leadership has positioned PCF as a community leader and respected partner.

“With her deft blend of strategy and empathy, Jennifer has stewarded this organization so thoughtfully and formed an enduring legacy in the process,” Sabbag said. “It will be difficult to fill her shoes.”

DeVoll’s recent years at PCF have been marked by dynamic expansion and responsive community initiatives. She oversaw PCF’s adept response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which included providing frontline support addressing needs in food security, education for Pasadena Unified School District students, social services, and vaccine distribution.

In response to the housing crisis, DeVoll helped create PCF’s Affordable Housing Initiative. This program has granted nearly $1 million since 2019, contributing to the creation of over 100 housing units in the area.

Education, a fundamental cause for many PCF stakeholders, has been a key focus under DeVoll’s leadership. She guided the creation of programs such as the PCF Scholars Program and the Petersen Scholars Program, which supports transition-age foster youth, among other educational initiatives.

DeVoll has graciously provided the Board with enough time to engage in a thoughtful search process. The PCF Board has formed a search committee and plans to engage in a thorough search, including engaging an executive search firm to find DeVoll’s successor.

“We have experienced tremendous growth during Jennifer’s tenure thanks to her vision and integrity,” Sabbag stated. “When she arrived in 2002, we had $16 million in assets and two grant programs. Today we stand at $180 million in assets that support 11 grant programs and countless scholarships that uplift our community.” Sabbag expressed confidence in finding the right person to build upon DeVoll’s work and lead the foundation into the future.

A celebration of DeVoll’s legacy is planned for next spring, with details to be announced at a later date. The foundation aims to ensure a smooth transition when the new President and CEO takes over in June 2025.