Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque Names New President and CEO
After a nationwide search, the Foundation’s Board of Directors selected Ryan to succeed retiring President and CEO Nancy Van Milligen, who has served in that role since the organization’s founding in 2003.
DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristy Ryan as its next president and chief executive officer, marking an important new chapter in the organization’s 23-year history.
Ryan, a nonprofit executive with leadership experience at large organizations across the United States, will succeed founding President and CEO Nancy Van Milligen, who has led the Community Foundation since its beginning in 2003. Van Milligen will continue serving the organization as president emerita, a part-time role in which she will provide continuity and support key relationships, partnerships and opportunities that advance the Foundation’s mission and long-term impact.
“It’s a privilege to step into this role and help drive transformational impact across Eastern Iowa,” Ryan said. “I’m excited to advance the incredible work Nancy and the Community Foundation team have done for 23 years.”
Beginning in April, the Community Foundation conducted an extensive regional and national search for its next president and CEO. The process generated 228 applicants, included interviews with 48 individuals, and involved countless networking conversations with leaders and community partners throughout Eastern Iowa and the Midwest.
“Finding the right person to lead the Community Foundation into its next chapter was an incredibly important responsibility for our board,” said Jane Mueller, the Foundation’s board chair. “We approached this process with great care and intentionality. Kristy stood out through her combination of nonprofit leadership, fundraising experience, strategic thinking, entrepreneurial mindset and genuine commitment to people and community. We are excited to welcome her to the Community Foundation and the Dubuque region.”
Ryan brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, operations, fundraising, organizational strategy and people-focused leadership. She currently serves as chief operating officer for Move for Hunger and previously held leadership roles with Girl Scouts of Hawai’i, Vanguard Industries, Kemper Insurance and Blue Cross Blue Shield. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Arizona and has pursued doctoral studies in Sustainable Education at Prescott College. Her experience also includes serving rural communities, developing strategic vision, building partnerships and leading innovative initiatives.
Throughout the selection process, Ryan demonstrated a leadership style that is confident yet humble, mission-focused and people-centered, along with an ability to think entrepreneurially and help organizations identify new opportunities for growth and impact.
Ryan’s appointment follows the remarkable 23-year leadership of Van Milligen, who has served as president and CEO since the Community Foundation began in 2003 and helmed its growth from an idea into a regional, philanthropic organization serving seven counties in Eastern Iowa.
Under Van Milligen’s leadership, the Foundation has built trusting relationships with donors, nonprofits, community leaders and philanthropic partners while expanding its reach and impact throughout the region. During her tenure, the Foundation has granted $100 million to nonprofits and grown its assets to over $200 million, over three-quarters of which are endowed and pay out annually to support local organizations.
She also has overseen the creation and growth of the Forever Fund, an unrestricted endowment fund that can be used to respond to community emergencies or jumpstart new initiatives that address people’s needs.
“Nancy’s impact on this organization and our region cannot be overstated,” said Mueller. “She had the vision to build something that did not exist 23 years ago and has spent more than two decades cultivating relationships, developing partnerships, and helping communities across our region thrive. We are grateful that her knowledge, relationships and passion for this work will continue to benefit the Community Foundation in her president emerita role.”
As president emerita, Van Milligen will remain connected to the Community Foundation while Ryan assumes full leadership of the organization. Van Milligen’s continued involvement will provide important continuity and allow her to focus on national partnerships and philanthropic relationships that can create additional opportunities for the region.
“This organization has always been about bringing people together around the belief that we can accomplish more when we work together,” Van Milligen said. “I am excited to support Kristy as she builds relationships across our region and leads the Community Foundation into its next chapter.”
Ryan will officially begin serving as president and CEO on November 9, 2026.
