He serves as chief philanthropy officer at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Phillip P. Lanham of Cincinnati, who “has spent his entire career serving the philanthropic and nonprofit communities,” has been named the next president and CEO of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the nonprofit’s board of directors announced this week.
Lanham will join the Foundation on June 1, a news release notes. He was selected for the leadership position following a national search conducted by the board’s CEO Search Committee and executive search firm Russel Reynolds, the release explains.
Lanham is serving as the chief philanthropy officer at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, “where he successfully led the philanthropic partnerships team in providing strategic guidance for relationships with donors, nonprofits, businesses, and private foundations,” the release continues. “He has built a reputation as an accomplished executive leader with a strong background in creating results-driven strategies,” the release adds.
Having begun his career with his alma mater, the University of Cincinnati — where he earned his MBA, the release notes — “Lanham has spent his entire career serving the philanthropic and nonprofit communities. He is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® and a member of the 21/64 Network, a cutting-edge nonprofit specializing in understanding and engaging the next generation within family philanthropy,” the release points out.
“Phillip brings the right blend of intellect, creativity, and bold strategic focus to complement and advance Gulf Coast’s culture of excellence and commitment to our community,” said David Green, chair of the Gulf Coast Foundation board, in the release.
Green also called Lanham “a dedicated and passionate leader with a proven track record of delivering bold and proactive initiatives …” Therefore, Green added, “We could not be more optimistic for the future of Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the impact Phillip will make.”
Lanham will be joining the nonprofit “at a significant point” in Gulf Coast’s history, the release points out: The Foundation recently announced $500 million in community impact, following the news of Mark S. Pritchett’s impending retirement as president and CEO.
“I could not be more confident and thrilled to welcome Phillip as the next President|CEO at Gulf Coast,” said Pritchett in the release. “His business and philanthropy background is a perfect fit for this region and our organization.”
Pritchett officially will retire in late spring and will support the transition as needed, the release notes.
Having spent “many family vacations in the Gulf Coast region, Lanham is familiar with its incredibly philanthropic community and beautiful surroundings,” the release continues.
“It is a great honor to serve our donors, nonprofit partners, and community as the next President|CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation,” said Lanham in the release. “I feel fortunate to join a bold, proactive team that works passionately to ensure we have a strong, positive impact on our region.”
“Lanham’s passion for community” also is reflected in his board service with the Advancement Network for community foundations; he is the Network’s immediate past chair, the release adds. He also is vice chair of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Board, the release notes.
Further, Lanham enjoys the arts sector, serving on the Music Hall Revitalization Company board, “which is responsible for maintaining the iconic performance home of Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Symphony/Pops Orchestras, and May Festival,” the release explains.
He and his wife, Tami, have two boys “who share a love of football and the beach,” the release says. “Lanham will plant roots in Sarasota County in May,” it adds.