Dr. Sherece West-Scantlebury announced Thursday (June 19) she will retire as president and CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF) in October. She has served in leadership at the helm of WRF for 18 years and has spent 33 years in philanthropy.
Since 2007, West-Scantlebury has guided WRF through a period of significant impact, co-founding initiatives such as Excel by 8, ForwARd Arkansas, Why AR?, and ALICE in AR (Asset-Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), while expanding opportunities for Arkansas families and communities.
“Sherece did not just lead WRF — she strengthened it,” said Cedric Williams, WRF board chair. “She demonstrated how philanthropy can be a powerful tool for addressing systemic challenges and building communities where everyone has a fair shot at success. Her vision, commitment, and deep connection to Arkansas will have a lasting impact.”
In addition to launching successful initiatives, she helped attract tens of millions of dollars in national philanthropic investment to Arkansas. She spoke on national platforms, shared stories of community resilience, and amplified the voices of rural Arkansans whose contributions and challenges are often overlooked. Her advocacy placed the state and the rural South at the center of conversations about progress and possibility.
“From day one, I believed WRF could be a catalyst for meaningful change,” West-Scantlebury said. “This role has been the highlight of my career — collaborating with communities, supporting leaders, and serving alongside an extraordinary staff and board. As my time at WRF comes to a close, the mission endures. The foundation is well-positioned to advance systemic solutions that expand justice and equity. I am deeply grateful for the journey and excited for what’s ahead.”
The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation board will launch a national search for its next president and CEO in the third quarter of this year, partnering with BoardWalk Consulting, which was selected through a competitive request for proposals process.
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