MONTEREY COUNTY — Community Foundation for Monterey County has selected Gina Dalma as its next president and CEO following a national search. She will begin Nov. 9, succeeding Dan Baldwin, who is retiring in December.
“The Community Foundation for Monterey County has completed a national search and selected a new leader who is exceptionally well-qualified, deeply aligned with our mission and committed to engaging authentically with our communities,” said Board Chair Elsa Mendoza Jimenez.
Dalma brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic philanthropy, public policy and donor development. She most recently served as chief development officer for the Global Fund for a New Economy, leading fundraising and donor engagement strategies to support global economic inclusion, equity and sustainability.
Previously, she spent nearly 16 years at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, where she most recently served as executive vice president of community action, policy and strategy, leading the foundation’s impact and grantmaking work.
“Gina brings extensive experience in nonprofit executive leadership and is passionate about this work. Her depth of knowledge and expertise will continue to elevate and grow the impact of the CFMC,” Mendoza Jimenez said.
A Mexican immigrant, Dalma has received several leadership honors, including the Athena Leadership Award in 2022 and the Trailblazer Award from the Chicana Latina Foundation in 2023. She was also named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of San Francisco by Women We Admire in 2023.
Dalma earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from ITAM in Mexico City, a master’s degree in economics from the University of London and a master’s degree in international policy studies from Stanford University. She has also served on the boards of Northern California Grantmakers, Joint Venture Silicon Valley and the Palo Alto Oshman Jewish Community Center.
Dalma said Monterey County’s diversity and community spirit align with her vision for philanthropy.
“At their very best, community foundations are the heartbeat of our shared humanity — the places where people bring their finest assets, passions and purpose together to build something greater than themselves. Monterey County exemplifies this spirit. Our greatest strength lies in the extraordinary diversity of our people,” Dalma said.
Outgoing CEO Baldwin praised Dalma’s experience and said they had worked together previously as community foundation colleagues.
“I’m very pleased the CFMC board has hired such a capable CEO. She brings tremendous professional credentials, including deep understanding of community foundations, and life experience to the CFMC’s work in Monterey County,” Baldwin said. “Gina and I worked together as community foundation colleagues where she brought tremendous energy and intelligence to several successful initiatives. I’m excited for the future of the CFMC.”
A committee of current board members and former board chairs led the search with support from executive search firm Carlson Beck.
Dalma said she believes lasting change begins at the local level by bringing together community voices, resources and leadership.
“The opportunity to continue driving a stronger, more vibrant, and more just Monterey County where every voice truly matters — is a profound privilege,” she added.
