Monterey County, California — The Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) is pleased to announce its next President/CEO, Gina Dalma. “The Community Foundation for Monterey County has completed a national search and selected a new leader who is exceptionally well-qualified, deeply aligned with our mission and committed to engaging authentically with our communities,” said Board Chair Elsa Mendoza Jimenez.
“Gina brings extensive experience in nonprofit executive leadership and is passionate about this work. Her depth of knowledge and expertise will continue to elevate and grow the impact of the CFMC,” she continued. Dalma, who will be relocating to Monterey County from the Bay Area, will step into the role on November 9, 2026.
Gina Dalma is a philanthropic executive with more than 20 years’ experience working at the intersection of strategic philanthropy, public policy and donor development to bring about systems change. Most recently, she served as Chief Development Officer for the Global Fund for a New Economy, where she spearheaded donor engagement, organizing and fundraising strategies to mobilize capital for global economic inclusion, equity and sustainability. Prior to that, she served nearly 16 years at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation in a variety of roles, most recently as Executive Vice President of Community Action, Policy and Strategy, leading the foundation’s impact and grantmaking work.
The Community Foundation for Monterey County has completed a national search and selected a new leader who is exceptionally well-qualified, deeply aligned with our mission and committed to engaging authentically with our communities."
As a Mexican immigrant, her leadership is deeply fueled by a vision of a more sustainable, just and inclusive society. Dalma’s contributions have been widely recognized: she was named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of San Francisco by Women We Admire (2023), received the Athena Leadership Award (2022), and was honored with the Trailblazer Award by the Chicana Latina Foundation (2023).
Dalma received her B.A. in Economics at ITAM, Mexico City, an M.Sc. in Economics at the University of London, UK and an M.A. in International Policy Studies at Stanford University. She also brings extensive governance experience, having served on the boards of Northern California Grantmakers, Joint Venture Silicon Valley and the Palo Alto Oshman Jewish Community Center.
“At their very best, community foundations are the heartbeat of our shared humanity—the places where people bring their finest assets, passions and purpose together to build something greater than themselves. Monterey County exemplifies this spirit. Our greatest strength lies in the extraordinary diversity of our people,” says Dalma. “This region is defined not just by its breathtaking landscape, but by the generosity, hard work and collective heart of every person who calls it home. I am so honored to work with our team, our board, community leaders and donors to continue to realize the vision of the CFMC.”
Dalma notes that Monterey County encapsulates the diversity of our nation with its challenges and opportunities. She leads with the conviction that long-term change begins locally by bringing every voice and resource to the table, recognizing that true impact requires all community assets, whether financial capital, lived experience or grassroots leadership.
At their very best, community foundations are the heartbeat of our shared humanity—the places where people bring their finest assets, passions and purpose together to build something greater than themselves. Monterey County exemplifies this spirit."
“I’m very pleased the CFMC board has hired such a capable CEO. She brings tremendous professional credentials, including deep understanding of community foundations, and life experience to the CFMC’s work in Monterey County. Gina and I worked together as community foundation colleagues where she brought tremendous energy and intelligence to several successful initiatives. I’m excited for the future of the CFMC,” said outgoing President/CEO Dan Baldwin, who will be retiring in December.
A committee of current board members and past board chairs led the search, with the support of executive search firm Carlson Beck. Kathleen Lee, Search Committee Chair and CFMC Vice Chair noted “Gina is driven by a passion for community service and belief in the impact that Community Foundations can have in our communities.”
“The opportunity to continue driving a stronger, more vibrant, and more just Monterey County where every voice truly matters—is a profound privilege,” adds Dalma.
“This is a moment of opportunity for the CFMC and for our region. We look forward to welcoming Gina as our next President/CEO and continue building a stronger future for Monterey County,” concludes Elsa Mendoza Jimenez.
Outgoing President/CEO Dan Baldwin (left) alongside Gina Dalma
About the Community Foundation for Monterey County
The Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is “to inspire philanthropy and be a catalyst for strengthening communities throughout Monterey County.” Through grantmaking, community leadership, nonprofit support, community impact investing, special initiatives and disaster response, the CFMC works with donors and community partners to create healthy, safe and vibrant communities today and for future generations. The CFMC is “Here for Good.” For more information, call 831.375.9712 or visit cfmco.org.