Leigh Rovegno

The Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation board has appointed Leigh J. Rovegno as the foundation’s next executive director, effective July 7.

Rovegno will succeed Linda V. Swanson, who is retiring after 18 years as the foundation’s executive director. .

“After a thorough and thoughtful search process, we are delighted to welcome Leigh to the Sheldon Foundation,” said Alexis T. Singleton, Sheldon Foundation board president. “Leigh brings a proven record of nonprofit leadership, a deep love for this region, and an approach grounded in collaboration and purpose. The search process itself reaffirmed our belief that this community is filled with talented, hardworking individuals who are committed to meaningful service. That is a source of great pride–and great promise–as we look to the future.”

A native of Rochester, Rovegno’s early experiences included volunteering and working on organic farms in New Hampshire and Italy, which inspired her to pursue a career focused on environmental and community health. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Naropa University in Boulder, Colo., in 2007.

Rovegno began her nonprofit career in 2006 at the Denver Botanic Gardens, where she led display garden installations and founded a Community Supported Agriculture program that eventually served 300 families. After 15 years in Colorado, she and her husband, Brian, along with their two children, Charlie and Noam, were drawn back to Western New York by the region’s natural beauty and family connections to Chautauqua Institution and the Jamestown area.

In 2018, Rovegno became executive director of the Audubon Community Nature Center in Jamestown, where she oversaw the construction of the Stephanie Frucella Education Pavilion, the Pamela A. Westrom Wildlife Habitat and the addition of three new birds of prey. She also managed the organization’s farewell to its longtime bald eagle ambassador, Liberty, and implemented a variety of capital improvements.

“I am excited to apply the skills and experience I’ve gained over the past 19 years in nonprofit leadership to serve the mission of the Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation,” Rovegno said. “This is a pivotal time for nonprofit organizations and the essential services that they provide. I feel honored to support the outstanding work being done across Chautauqua County to improve the quality of life for its residents.”

The Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation was established in 1948 to perpetuate the philanthropic legacy of Isabella M. Sheldon and her husband, Ralph C. Sheldon. It annually awards grants of approximately $2 million to advance the physical, educational, and cultural well-being of the people in the southern portion of Chautauqua County. For more information about the Sheldon Foundation, please visit rcsheldonfoundation.org.