Tory Irgang

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation Board of Directors announced this week that Tory Irgang is the organization’s new executive director.

Irgang will succeed Randy Sweeney, who is set to retire Dec. 31 after 20 years as executive director of the Community Foundation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tory to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation,” said Don Butler, Community Foundation Board of Directors president. “We believe she will represent the best interests of individuals and organizations throughout the Chautauqua region.”

Pamela Noll, board member and head of the search committee echoed Butler’s sentiments.

“We believe Tory’s focus in being a catalyst for community change and vision for the future will make her very successful in this position,” Noll said. “We are happy to have her as a leader in our community.”

Irgang has served as executive director for the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County since February 2011. Prior to joining the United Way, Irgang spent seven years in the government and not-for-profit sectors. She held positions with the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Chautauqua County Health Network.

A Southwestern Central School graduate, Irgang earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio. She returned to the Chautauqua region 16 years ago with her husband, Adam. They are proud residents of the city of Jamestown where they are raising their two daughters.

Irgang is an active member of the Panama United Methodist Church and the Rotary Club of Jamestown. She also serves on the boards of the Gebbie Foundation and the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation.

“The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation has a wonderful history and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of its very bright future,” Irgang said. “I look forward to continue working with the members and organizations of our community in this new role.”