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Jonna Ward Fund for Leadership Development

The Jonna Ward Fund for Leadership Development combines two powerful and lasting elements of the legacy of Jonna Ward, who started at the Foundation in 2001 and served as executive director and CEO from 2008 to 2024.

First, throughout Jonna’s career at the Foundation, she was committed to building endowments that would ensure the long-term vitality of The Seattle Public Library, much like hospitals and universities have enjoyed for years. During her 23 years, the Foundation’s endowments grew to a level where they support nearly one-half of all the programs funded by the Foundation. With her leadership, this benefit will carry on in perpetuity.

Second, Jonna always believed in the power of fundraisers and advocates to help build strong, stable libraries. In 2017, she launched the International Public Library Fundraising Conference, and later launched the Library Support Network, a professional development effort for people working to strengthen library systems.

The Jonna Ward Fund for Leadership Development will endow funds for current and future Foundation staff to take part in professional development activities for years to come. It will create funding for trainings, conferences, professional growth, and capacity building.