Jason Baxendale Named Chief Development Officer at The Chicago Community Trust

Media Contact: Katelyn Yoshimoto
katelyn_yoshimoto@jtpr.com
312-573-5492

CHICAGO – July 6, 2016 – The Chicago Community Trust today announced the promotion of Senior Director of Gift Planning Jason Baxendale to Chief Development Officer, succeeding Jamie Phillippe, who is retiring from the community foundation effective September 30, 2016. In this new role, Baxendale will spearhead the Trust’s commitment to support philanthropy in metropolitan Chicago at the highest level for years to come.

“We witness firsthand generosity of Chicago area residents every day at the Trust, and have been incredibly fortunate to have Jamie on our team to inspire the philanthropy that helps us tackle the toughest issues facing the region,” said Terry Mazany, president and CEO of The Chicago Community Trust. “We wish her the best of luck, and are confident that Jason has the experience and vision to keep moving the Trust forward for years to come.”

Baxendale joined the Trust in 2004 and is responsible for a broad range of matters, including charitable contributions, donor advised funds, supporting organizations, agency endowments and other legal, tax and investment aspects of foundations. He served as co-director with Phillippe for the We Are Chicago campaign, which raised over $1.6 billion in honor of the Trust’s 100th anniversary.

A member of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, the Chicago Council on Planned Giving, the Chicago Estate Planning Council and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Baxendale earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Kansas State University, an MBA degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a JD degree from Washburn University School of Law.

“I am eager to lead the Trust’s dynamic Development and Donor Services team and continue to engage and support our donors,” said Baxendale. “At The Chicago Community Trust, we see firsthand the powerful things that can happen when we come together for the benefit of our communities, and I look forward to continuing Jamie’s legacy of inspiring philanthropy across our region.”

Phillippe, who joined the Trust in 2008, leaves an impressive professional legacy. Over the course of her career, she has raised nearly $4 billion. Under her leadership, the Trust raised nearly $2 billion.

Prior to joining the Trust, Phillippe worked for 13 years at the Museum of Science and Industry, overseeing fundraising, membership and government affairs. She also served as vice president and senior-level consultant for The Alford Group and Sumner Rahr & Company, as well as heading development for Bellarmine University and the Louisville Ballet. Following her departure from the Trust, Phillippe will launch Phillippe Consulting LLC, focused on assisting nonprofits with fundraising, governance and organizational strategy. She will also be rejoining The Alford Group, a leading national consulting firm, as a vice president to provide counsel in the areas of endowment building, leadership development and strategic planning.

“The more people across Chicago who donate to or volunteer for nonprofit organizations, the stronger our community as a whole will become. I’ve been so proud to play a part in creating positive change and helping inspire metropolitan Chicago to become the most philanthropic region in the country,” said Phillippe. “I have no doubt that Jason and his team will build on our tremendous record, and likely surpass the successes achieved during my tenure.”