A Time for Reflection and Gratitude

by Curtis Holloman, Executive Director, Foundation for a Healthy High Point

Recently, the Foundation for a Healthy High Point announced plans for a leadership transition as I prepare to leave and embark on a semi-retirement. I will remain with the Foundation until a successor is identified, but the moment has naturally led me to spend some time reflecting on my work here and the broader journey that brought me to High Point.

Over the past 35 years, I have been fortunate to serve in a variety of roles focused on improving health and well-being. From my early work with community health centers in Robeson County, to serving as Health Director in Sampson and Scotland counties, to working on two national initiatives of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, to helping launch a health legacy foundation in St. Petersburg, Florida, each experience reinforced a simple belief: healthy communities are built when people come together around a shared purpose. 

That belief has guided my work at the Foundation. It is also what has given me confidence that lasting improvements in individual and community health happen when communities invest in one another and work together toward a shared future.

When I arrived in High Point in late 2020, the Board and staff were already deeply committed to improving community health. Together, we worked to sharpen our focus on the social and economic conditions that influence health and well-being. We strengthened our commitment to upstream strategies, expanded community engagement, and positioned the Foundation as a convener, partner, and trusted community resource for collective actions.

Over the past six years, the Foundation has invested $10 million through more than 160 grants supporting local organizations working on housing, food access, behavioral health, early childhood development, and other factors that shape opportunity and quality of life. We launched a Small Grants program to support grassroots organizations and emerging opportunities, strengthened relationships with community partners, expanded staff capacity, and worked with the Board to ensure the long-term stewardship of the Foundation’s resources.

While I am proud of those accomplishments, what I will remember most are the people. I have had the privilege of working alongside nonprofit leaders, neighborhood residents, public officials, healthcare providers, educators, faith leaders, business leaders, and volunteers who care deeply about this community. Their commitment, creativity, and persistence continue to inspire me.

I am also grateful for the opportunity to work with an exceptional volunteer board of directors and dedicated staff. Their leadership and support have helped position the Foundation for continued success.

As I prepare for my next chapter, I remain optimistic about the future of High Point and the Foundation. The challenges facing communities and non-profits are real, but so are the opportunities. We have strong partnerships, deeper community engagement, and a growing understanding that lasting change requires us to work together across sectors and perspectives.

The Foundation’s mission remains as important as ever. The work of improving health and well-being by addressing the conditions that shape opportunity and quality of life is far from complete. In many ways, it is just beginning.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of this community and this work. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. I leave with gratitude, hope and confidence that the Foundation’s best days are still ahead.

Curtis Holloman
Executive Director & CEO