Heather Peeler takes the reins Monday as president and CEO of ACT for Alexandria, a local organization that aims to improve the lives of Alexandrians by turning ideas into action and resources into results. The organization may be best known for Spring2Action, a campaign that encourages local residents to donate to community organizations.
Peeler is succeeding John Porter, who last fall informed the Board of his decision to pass the leadership torch.
“The ACT Board of Directors unanimously reached this decision following an extensive search process," said ACT Board Chair Lauren Stack. "We are fortunate to have such a strategic thinker and recognized leader in philanthropy stepping up to succeed John Porter as head of our organization. We look forward to working with her as we continue to build on the strong foundation John built during his tenure and to make our city an even kinder place to live, learn, work and play.”
Peeler said in a press release, “the work of an organization like ACT has never been more important in terms of bringing people together to address our community’s most critical needs. I am inspired by the example of John Porter’s leadership, which allowed ACT to grow from an idea into the catalytic organization it is today. I look forward to building on that reputation and to working with donors, civic leaders and community partners to further strengthen ACT’s impact and to ensure that Alexandria is a strong, vibrant community for all.”
Peeler was vice president of member and partner engagement at Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, where she mobilized a national network of more than 5,000 grantmakers in adopting practices to make the greatest impact on nonprofit performance. She has also served as chief strategy officer at the Corporation for National and Community Service and as managing director at Community Wealth Partners.
Peeler also serves as chair of the board of Fair Chance, which helps with capacity-building efforts for organizations that focus on youth. She is also a commissioner on the Washington, D.C. Commission on Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes.
Peeler graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College and earned her M.B.A. from the University of California—Los Angeles (UCLA).
