Central Carolina Community Foundation Appoints New President and CEO

Georgia Mjartan to Lead Foundation Effective July 1, 2024

Central Carolina Community Foundation, a landmark force in state philanthropy, has announced Georgia Mjartan as its incoming President and CEO. The new appointment was officially confirmed by the Board of Trustees with effect from July 1, 2024.

Seasoned Executive with Diverse Experience

Mjartan brings an impressive portfolio of executive experience to the role, having devoted two decades in public, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors. Her service as executive director of South Carolina First Steps since 2017 has equipped her with noteworthy expertise in grantmaking. The state agency and nonprofit, under her leadership, have managed 46 county-level nonprofit affiliates and orchestrated partnerships with over 300 providers.

Moreover, she is recognized as a pioneer for developing a first-in-the-nation technology platform, in her capacity as the leader of the state’s Early Childhood Advisory Council. This innovative platform streamlined the eligibility and enrollment process across more than 40 different early childhood programs.

Central Carolina Community Foundation’s Vision and Impact

Central Carolina Community Foundation, distinguished by its extensive assets exceeding $215 million and over 525 charitable funds, is in the business of connecting local residents with high-impact philanthropy. The Foundation’s contributions span across 11 counties, with its influence reaching nearly a quarter of the state.

Its principal initiatives involve the digital giving initiative, Midlands Gives, the One SC Fund, Connected Communities Grants, and an annual scholarship program. All efforts striding towards a single goal – building a thriving community via grants and scholarships.

A Welcome Addition to Leadership

Enthusiasm reverberated from Cory Manning, board chair, as he welcomed the new addition to the team. He was confident that Mjartan’s influence will continue the Foundation’s transformative legacy and set new benchmarks in organizational transformation.

Mjartan, too, expressed her gratitude and excitement to be presented with the opportunity to create meaningful and measurable changes in the community.

A Remarkable Track Record

Prior to her role at South Carolina First Steps, Mjartan served as the executive director of Our House, an Arkansas-based nonprofit geared toward empowering homeless and near-homeless families. She also holds a strong civic service, having been recognized as “Southerner of the Year” by Southern Living Magazine and “Nonprofit Executive of the Year” by business journals in Arkansas and South Carolina. Her work has been featured on top media platforms like NBC News, USA Today, and PBS.

Academic Accolades

Mjartan hold degrees in English and political science from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a Master of Science in Public Affairs and Political Communications from the University of Ulster (UK). She graduated from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government Senior Executives in State and Local Government program, attended on a Fannie Mae Fellowship. In addition, she is an Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow and a Furman University Diversity Leaders Initiative Riley Fellow.

As part of her personal life, Mjartan is married to Dominik Mjartan, president and CEO of Optus Bank, and is a mother to three children.