Abbotsford Community Foundation Appoints New Executive Director

The Board of Directors of the Abbotsford Community Foundation (ACF) has announced the appointment of Aleni Kelepan as its new Executive Director, effective January 2nd.

Kereppan will succeed Wendy Neufeld as executive director, who has been at the helm for six years.

She has already begun employment at ACF and will work with staff and Neufeld over the next few weeks to facilitate a leadership transition.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Kereppan has worked for both commercial and non-profit organizations in the Lower Mainland, Okanagan, Edmonton area and Calgary.

For over 20 years, she has been a leader in areas as diverse as timber and building materials, the environment, agriculture, food security, and most recently gender-based violence and mental health.

Having recently relocated, she said she was excited to immerse herself in all things Abbotsford and share in the vibrancy of her local community.

“Aleni has the energy and ability to not only manage the substantial resources that donors have already committed to ACF, but to inspire others to invest in causes of positive impact within Abbotsford. We believe there is,” said ACF President Mark Janzen.

An event was held on November 22nd to celebrate the many accomplishments Neufeld had achieved during his time at ACF.

Founder Vivian Trethewy was one of Neufeld’s family, friends, ACF volunteers, donors and community leaders.

Former Mayor Henry Brown, along with Carson Noftl, Michael Adkins, Terry Voss and former Board Chairman Andrea Senft, confirmed the contributions Neufeld has made to the community in their respective comments to guests.

“It was an honor to have the opportunity to serve the Abbotsford community,” Neufeld said. “During these six years, I have watched the efforts of our amazing volunteers and staff contribute to the growth and impact of his ACF. One of the highlights for me is helping to connect with the cause.

Since its founding in 1979, ACF has invested more than $17 million in student awards for high school graduates and funding for local charities.

The Foundation provides over $1 million in grants and student awards each year. Recently, his total donation reached $17 million.

Visit abbotsfordcf.org to learn how to support ACF and read the annual report.

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