The Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Alec Walsh as the new Chair of the Board of Directors. Alec takes the helm from Isabelle Lew, who will continue her dedicated service as a member of the Board. Additionally, the Foundation is excited to welcome two new board members, Luiza Mouzinho and Christopher Celeste, both of whom bring a wealth of experience and a passion for community engagement to the organization.

Alec Walsh brings a deep-rooted connection to Martha’s Vineyard, and has settled as a resident of Chilmark after a career in financial services, the last twenty five years as a partner in Harding Loevner, a global asset management firm. Alec has already been an integral part of the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation, serving on the Investment Committee since 2018 and joining the Board in 2020. His deep ties to the island and extensive financial expertise make him a natural fit for the role of Board Chair.

“I could not be more pleased to have Alec as our incoming Board Chair.  He is passionate about Martha’s Vineyard and the foundation’s mission to make this a better place” Paul Schulz, Executive Director of Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation.

Isabelle Lew served for 2 years as Board Chair and led the transition of the Executive Director position from Emily Bramhall to Paul Schulz in January 2023.  She also oversaw the name change from the Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard to the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation to coincide with the expanded mission.

Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Luiza Mouzinho moved to Martha’s Vineyard during her grade school years. She graduated from Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School and went on to complete dual Masters degrees in Mental Health Counseling and Theology and Ministry at Boston College. Returning to the island in 2018, Luiza has been working as a mental health counselor at both the Island Counseling Center and Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. Her commitment to the community aligns seamlessly with the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation’s mission to enhance the lives of those residing on the island.

Christopher Celeste brings a wealth of experience and a diverse background that encompasses politics, advertising, technology, and real estate. Christopher has been involved in creating retail and real estate projects on the Vineyard and has recently authored a meditation on personal leadership entitled “Leaders Lead Themselves First.” With his expansive background and entrepreneurial spirit, Christopher will contribute to the Foundation’s impact opportunities across the island.

Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation was established in 1982. Its purpose is to put charitable contributions to work for the people of Martha’s Vineyard by providing grants to local public and nonprofit organizations, funding scholarships for Island students and building an endowment that will provide resources to address the community’s needs in perpetuity.