October 5, 2026
It is with deep gratitude, excitement, and humility that I write to you on my first official day as the Executive Director of the Foundation. *Thank you* for your words of support, encouragement, and congratulations since the news was shared – I am carrying the energy from your messages with me today.
I am deeply grateful to the Foundation’s Board of Directors for leading a thoughtful and rigorous search process, and for the candid, substantive conversations we shared along the way. Throughout those discussions, I heard a clear commitment to advancing the Foundation’s mission to create a healthier, more equitable Greater High Point while safeguarding the strong financial stewardship and grantmaking practices that have earned the community’s trust. I also heard a readiness to pursue bold new opportunities to deepen, measure, and sustain our local impact. I am energized by that charge and eager to turn those possibilities into meaningful action.
As I step into this position, I am reminded of the unique role the Foundation plays as a leader in improving root causes of health and influencing the policies and systems that shape well-being. Our course is strong and our focus on collaboration, convening, advocacy, and capacity building continue to be critical tools for improving health. That said, our toolbox has room to grow, and I want to share some of my thoughts on our greatest opportunities for impact over the next few years.
We should explore new ways to leverage the Foundation’s financial capital, including impact investing, mission-related and program-related investments, and co-funding opportunities that help traditional grants go further.
We will also sharpen our strategic focus by analyzing and describing the Foundation’s grantmaking investments since our strategic direction was launched in 2022. We can share the difference those investments are making and where there might be opportunities to better define who we are and want to be in areas like family stability, wealth building, and economic mobility.
We can double down on capacity building by expanding practical support for grant writing, evaluation, financial systems, and leadership development.
Last, but not least, we can be a leader in building visibility around why social determinants of health work matters to everyone in our community by celebrating our partners’ work and showing how coordinated investments can lead to lasting, systems change.
As I have said to many of you during our consultations, “you know where to find me” and I mean it. As I begin this next chapter at the Foundation, I ask you to speak candidly about what is working, where barriers persist, and where focused investment and stronger collaboration can drive meaningful, lasting change. Your insight and partnership will be essential as we turn our shared aspirations for a healthier, more equitable Greater High Point into action.
Thank you for the warm welcome and generous encouragement. I am honored to begin this new chapter with you and look forward to all we will accomplish together.
Warmly,
Whitney Davis
Executive Director
Foundation for a Healthy High Point