June 15, 2020 – Rockford – The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) has named Daniel Ross to succeed Jon Bates as its next president.

Ross will assume his new role as the third president in CFNIL’s 67-year history on July 1, 2020.

Ross’s deep and relevant professional experience elevated him to the top of a pool of highly qualified candidates. With proven executive management skills, a demonstrated commitment to philanthropy and community engagement, and extensive leadership experience, he was selected following a search that was led by CFNIL’s Organizational Preparedness Committee with assistance from FurstExecutives.

“Ross so impressed the committee on all levels: financial aptitude, managerial experience, and fervent commitment to promoting the Foundation’s mission,” says Erin Maggio Calkins, Chair of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois’ Board of Trustees. “I have no doubt that he will be an outstanding leader and I look forward to working with him.”

Ross has served as CFO of Fehr Graham since 2019. In that role he managed all the administrative functions for the firm, which employs over 150 people in ten offices across three states. Prior to this role, Ross was employed by Williams-Manny, Inc., for 14 years, achieving the title President and CFO. In this role he was responsible for all day-to-day and strategic activities of the company. During his tenure the firm increased agency revenue by 100%, was recognized as the Best Overall Place to Work and Best Workplace Culture, and undertook seven acquisitions.

Ross has extensive community involvement and board service, including: Immediate Past Chairman – SwedishAmerican Health System; Vice Chairman – Rockford Chamber of Commerce; Past President – Discovery Center Museum and Financial Executives International. He was selected as one of Rockford’s 40 Leaders Under 40 by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

“I am ecstatic to take on a position that allows me to utilize the management and leadership skills that I have honed over the years for an organization that touches the lives of so many in the communities it serves,” said Ross. “I have been able to observe the good work of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois from a distance for years; it is a thrill to join the CFNIL team and play a role in continuing its legacy of success.”

A Rockford-area native, Ross received a BS in Finance from the University of Illinois and an MBA with Distinction in Strategic Management from DePaul University. He and his family reside in Rockton, Illinois.

“I’m genuinely pleased to pass the baton to someone of Dan’s caliber to lead CFNIL into the future,” said Jon Bates.

Jon Bates joined CFNIL in 2008 as its Vice President of Finance and Administration and has served as CFNIL’s President since 2015. Bates will retire June 30, 2020.