Lodi, CA—The Lodi Community Foundation (LCF) Board of Directors announced that Louis Ponick will be its first president and CEO. Mr. Ponick currently serves as Interim CEO of the San Joaquin Community Foundation and will assume his new role with LCF on May 27, 2025. This will mark a pivotal milestone for the organization as it prepares to deepen its impact across the Lodi region.
“We are thrilled to have Louis as our new CEO,” said John Ledbetter, Chair of the Lodi Community Foundation Board. “He brings decades of experience working with community foundations and other nonprofits. He has served on the LCF board these past three years and played a critical role in our organization’s growth. His leadership will help guide us and our community into a new era of growth and service.”
Mr. Ponick has worked at the San Joaquin Community Foundation (SJCF) for over five years and has served as its Interim CEO since September 2024. During his tenure, he helped grow SJCF’s assets from $18 million to over $40 million. Prior to that, he was the National Director of Major and Planned Gifts for the Foundation to Support Animal Protection and served as Executive Director of the Save Mart Employee Association and CFO/COO for the Pediatric Dental Initiative.
“I have spent my professional career in the nonprofit sector,” said Louis Ponick, incoming CEO of LCF. “Nothing has been more rewarding than my time working with community foundations and serving on the LCF board. I’m honored to lead the Lodi Community Foundation as we strengthen partnerships with local donors and work to support nonprofits, invest in innovative programs and projects, and help shape a more vibrant future for our city and its surrounding areas.”
Mr. Ponick holds a B.A. in Political Science from Sonoma State University and an M.B.A. from California State University, Sacramento. He is also an alumnus of Leadership Lodi and has served on numerous nonprofit boards and supported community projects throughout the region.
LCF’s assets are expected to surpass $40 million this year, bolstered by a transformational legacy gift that will provide enduring support to local causes and organizations for generations.
For more information about the Lodi Community Foundation or media inquiries, please contact:
Media Contact:
Russ Hayward
RHayward@lodicf.org
(209) 910-3523
www.lodicommunityfoundation.org