Washington Women’s Foundation Announces New President

The Washington Women’s Foundation has selected N. Elizabeth (Beth) McCaw as its next President, effective September 3, 2014. McCaw replaces Carla Lewis, who is retiring after six years in the position.

McCaw, 43, has a distinguished legal career and extensive experience leading membership organizations and nonprofit organizations. As an attorney in private practice for 16 years, McCaw’s legal expertise is in estate planning, charitable giving and the law of tax-exempt organizations. In 2011, she retired from Stokes, Lawrence, P.S., where she was a shareholder in the firm’s estate planning group. McCaw has demonstrated leadership success with professional and community organizations, serving as Chair of the Board of the YWCA of Seattle-King County-Snohomish County; Past President of The Rainier Club; Past Chair of the Washington State Bar Association Real Property, Probate & Trust Section’s Executive Committee; and Past President of the Washington Planned Giving Council, among other roles. McCaw has been an active member of Washington Women’s Foundation since 2009, serving on its Pooled Fund Grant Committee, Resource Development Committee and Board of Directors. She holds a B.A. from Davidson College, earned her J.D. at University of Georgia School of Law, and completed her Master’s degree in Not-for-Profit Leadership at Seattle University.

“With a deep commitment to philanthropy and demonstrated professional accomplishments, Beth brings a wealth of talent and energy to her new role,” said Carol Lewis, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, and recently retired CEO of Philanthropy Northwest. “Her belief in the power of philanthropy and her dedication to women’s leadership make her the ideal person to lead Washington Women’s Foundation forward.”

“I am honored to serve as the next President of the Washington Women’s Foundation. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to build on the rich legacy of the Foundation and to help extend the impact and vitalityof this wonderful organization. The Foundation continues to demonstrate the power of women’s philanthropy through collective giving to make a positive difference in our community,” said McCaw.

Retiring President Carla Lewis steps down from the role after more than 6 years in the position. “It has been such a rewarding experience, and an honor, for me to lead the Foundation,” said Lewis. “With Beth’s leadership, and the enthusiastic participation of our members, I am confident that the Foundation will continue on its strong path as a vibrant community of women making a dramatic philanthropic impact.” During her tenure, Lewis greatly expanded the Foundation’s work by attracting hundreds of new members to the Foundation; introducing innovative programs for advanced grantmaking and women’s leadership; quadrupling the number of educational offerings on philanthropy for members; establishing new resources and partnerships; building a professional business infrastructure; and solidifying the Foundation’s strong financial health.

McCaw was chosen following a rigorous, national five-month search process chaired by Kate Janeway, past Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. From a field of highly qualified applicants, McCaw’s selection caps a search process facilitated by Kristin Stred, an experienced executive search professional with Houser Martin Morris in Bellevue, WA.

About Washington Women’s Foundation: The mission of Washington Women’s Foundation is to educate and expand the number of women engaged in philanthropy, and to build and strengthen community through individual and large impact grants. The Foundation’s members, now more than 500 strong, have invested $14 million of their own resources in nonprofit organizations in the last 18 years. Membership is open to all women interested in philanthropy.

For more information, visit www.wawomensfoundation.org.