LAFAYETTE, La – Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA) is pleased to announce that Steve Alley will be joining its leadership team as Chief Operating Officer, effective June 23, 2025.
In this pivotal role, Alley will be responsible for leading CFA's day-to-day operations, overall implementation and execution of the philanthropic organization’s strategic vision and ensuring the efficient execution of the Foundation's mission to connect donors with causes that matter and to build a more philanthropic Acadiana.
Alley brings a wealth of experience to CFA, having served as Managing Partner at EAC & Associates, a leading management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and organizational development for community foundations and the organizations that serve them. During his tenure at EAC, he worked with over 100 community foundations on strategic planning, increasing operational efficiency, and creating sustainable growth strategies.
“Steve's insights and expertise were critical in shaping our Vision 2034 Strategic Plan last year,” said Ian Macdonald, CFA Chairman of the Board. “Having served as the consultant who guided us through that vital process, he already has a deep understanding of our goals and the future we're building for the foundation. His transition from trusted advisor to a direct part of our team is a testament to the value he brings. We're excited to see how he'll continue to help us achieve the ambitious vision he helped us create."
Steve started as a consultant with the then Ekstrom & Associates in 2010 and became managing partner and owner of Ekstrom Alley Clontz & Associates (or “EAC”) in 2015. Steve brings a wealth of community foundation experience beyond his time as a consultant.
Prior to joining EAC, Steve spent nine years as president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, spearheading that foundation’s growth from $53 million to $90 million in assets, and developing a significant leadership role in Tucson and the surrounding counties. Prior to that, he was director of the Community Foundations Institute of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, and vice president for development at the Central Indiana Community Foundation—one of the oldest and largest community foundations in the nation. He also served as founding president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County, a startup community foundation in Indiana. Steve holds a communications degree from Ball State University and began his career in radio as a reporter, anchor, and news director.
"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Steve Alley to Community Foundation of Acadiana," said Missy Bienvenu Andrade, President and CEO of Community Foundation of Acadiana. "Steve's extensive experience in strategic leadership, operational excellence, and his deep understanding of our community foundation make him an invaluable asset. His proven ability to drive growth and manage complex organizations will be instrumental as CFA continues to expand its impact across the region."
Steve will continue in his role as Managing Partner of EAC, ensuring the firm's ongoing commitment to serving the philanthropic field.
CFA is one of south Louisiana’s premier philanthropic organizations benefiting our region, with a focus on the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Mary, St. Martin and Vermilion. CFA’s core purpose is to build legacies and improve communities by connecting generous people to the causes they care about. Since its inception in 2000, CFA has realized cumulative gifts exceeding $406 million and has made cumulative grants of more than $235 million. You can learn more at www.cfacadiana.org.