Community foundation adds new members
Foundation adds four new members to its board of directors
–The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County (CFSLOC) has announced the addition of four new members to its board of directors including, Jeff Buckingham, Grenda Ernst, Gwen Erskine, and Ben McAdams. Returning board members include Steve McCarty (President), Mary Verdin (Vice President), Tom Sherman (Treasurer), Jim Glinn (Secretary), Jim Brabeck, Claire Clark, Steve Jobst, Joan Parker, Mike Patrick, Ann Robinson, Johnine Talley.
Jeff Buckingham is the President of Norcast Telecom Networks and has lived on the Central Coast since 1979 and is an active member of the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and is a former Board Chair of the SLO Chamber of Commerce. Buckingham serves on the Cuesta College Foundation Board, the SLO County Farm Bureau Board, and the Farm Supply Company Board. “I am excited to join the board because of the very unique way that the Community Foundation is positioned to contribute to SLO County,” said Buckingham.
Grenda Ernst worked for the Atascadero State Hospital for over 35 years, working her way up from Psychiatric Social Worker to Clinical Administrator. Ernst has been active with numerous community programs such as Loaves and Fishes in Atascadero, the Atascadero Branch of the AAUW, and the Atascadero Centennial Planning Committee. In 2012, Ernst was appointed by Governor Brown to the ASH Governing Board. She has also served as President of the Atascadero Friends of the Library, overseeing the $8 million dollar expansion of the Library, and was named a Woman of Distinction in 2015 by the Women’s Legacy Fund for Community and Public Service. Ernst has lived in Atascadero with her husband and two children since 1972.
Gwen Erskine owns and manages Country Real Estate with her husband Tom and daughter Kandie. Erskine brings a broad knowledge base to the board including tax preparation, accounting, insurance, and real estate sales, management and project construction. Country Real Estate also has a strong commitment to give back to the community, donating a portion of each transaction to local non-profit organizations, totaling over $575,000.
Ben McAdams has been an orthopedic surgeon for 49 years and has been involved in numerous local organizations including, the SLO Kiwanis Club, the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center, and the SLO Symphony. Together with his wife Pat, the McAdams established the Kelly A. McAdams Scholarship in memory of their daughter.
Board President Steve McCarty said we are thrilled to include four new members to the board of directors this year. “The talent, experience, and knowledge of Jeff, Grenda, Gwen, and Ben will be instrumental as we move forward into the next years given the exciting directions and growth of the Community Foundation,” he said.
The Community Foundation has supported the county with grants totaling more than $28 million. The foundation’s assets under management have grown to more than $52 million, and provide support to all aspects of the community. For more information visit www.cfsloco.org or call (805) 543-2323.
