New director of Community Foundation of Westmoreland County looks to make her mark

The new executive director of The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County knows how important it is to build connections — and how much harder that is during a pandemic.

“I think the most important step is getting out in the community and increasing my understanding of the challenges and opportunities, and building new relationships,” McCrae Martino said.

She replaces Phil Koch, who has taken a new role as vice president for policy and community impact of the Pittsburgh Foundation, CFWC’s parent organization.

Martino previously served as vice president for human services at Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. She grew up in Pittsburgh and lives in Murrysville.

“The reason I was really interested in the CFWC position is it gave me an opportunity to have an impact and be more engaged in the community where I lived,” she said.

The foundation provides grants to other area nonprofits, helping to connect donors with organizations in need. Many charitable organizations were battered by the pandemic, and Martino’s short-term focus will be helping them to stay on their feet, she said.

“CFWC is going to work to ensure that they can continue to recover and gain capacity,” she said.

Beyond that, Martino plans to grow the foundation’s donor base and continue building on its work with area nonprofits. “I think that’s a really awesome place to be working in, where you can all work together to develop what will be best for the community.”

Those involved in finding the next director said Martino’s experience with local nonprofits make her a natural fit.

“All of her experience will be invaluable, especially when combined with her personal sensibility as a county resident,” said Brian Lenart, chair of the CFWC advisory board.

Though she has lived in the county for eight years, Martino said she has a lot of learning to do.

“Westmoreland County has a lot of diverse cities within it,” she said. “So learning more about the region, understanding more about the needs of each of those specific areas, is going to be critical.”