Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Appoints Judy Jolley Mohraz to Board of Trustees

VIRGINIA G. PIPER CHARITABLE TRUST Press Release
April 10, 2012

Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Appoints Judy Jolley Mohraz to Board of Trustees

PHOENIX, Ariz.—Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust today announced the appointment of Judy Jolley Mohraz to its Board of Trustees. Mohraz is president and CEO of Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust and has led the organization since its inception in 2000.

Prior to being recruited by Piper Trust, Mohraz served as president of Goucher College (Baltimore) for six years—an independent liberal arts college that she brought into the national spotlight by hosting high-profile speakers, establishing innovative programs, and spearheading a highly successful fundraising campaign. Mohraz also had a 20 year career at Southern Methodist University (Dallas) where she served in a range of leadership positions including associate provost. Other current professional activities include serving on the boards of the Council on Foundations, Civic Ventures, Morrison Institute for Public Policy at Arizona State University, and Greater Phoenix Leadership. As presidential appointee to the Board of Visitors of the United States Naval Academy, she co-chaired a special committee to investigate cheating at the Academy. Mohraz received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from Baylor University and her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Lifetime trustee and nephew of Virginia Piper, Paul Critchfield, eloquently announced the appointment, unbeknownst to Mohraz, at an intimate convening among Trustees and staff. “For 12 years we have seen Judy’s impeccable leadership as a stateswoman for the Trust; she is remarkably intuitive to the pulse of Maricopa County and continually creates local impacts that often garner national attention for the greater good—Judy has truly expanded the shoes that Virginia wore during her decades of philanthropic service to the community,” said Critchfield.

“I’m touched and tremendously honored by this appointment—serving the Trust is truly a privilege. I am grateful for the collective wisdom and work of the trustees and Trust staff who are so dedicated to carrying out Virginia’s wishes every day,” said Mohraz.

Mohraz will continue as president and CEO of Piper Trust and will simultaneously serve as a trustee; other trustees are: Jim Bruner (executive vice president, Wealth Management Division, Mutual of Omaha Bank), José Cárdenas (general counsel/senior vice president, Arizona State University), Paul Critchfield, Art DeCabooter (former president, Scottsdale Community College), Laura Grafman (executive vice president, Scottsdale Healthcare Foundation), Sharon Harper (president/CEO, Plaza Companies), and Steve Zabilski (executive director, Society of St. Vincent de Paul).

“Judy’s leadership of the Trust has gone beyond place-based grantmaking; she has developed the organization into a sought after community partner by weaving the Trust into the fabric of Maricopa County through civic leadership, constructive change, and investment in solution-focused strategies that help solve social issues,” said Laura Grafman, lifetime trustee and close friend of Virginia Piper.

“Sharp acumen, foresight, and thoughtful stewardship—these qualities immediately come to mind when the trustees think of Judy and the value she will bring further to the Trust as a trustee,” said Jim Bruner, lifetime trustee and Virginia Piper’s former attorney.

“As Virginia told me years ago, the art of giving takes good judgment and an abundance of heart—Judy embodies this and I know, without hesitation, that Virginia would be very proud of this moment,” said Critchfield.

About Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust:
A private independent foundation, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust honors Virginia Galvin Piper’s philanthropic commitment to changing lives and strengthening community in Maricopa County (Arizona). By investing in nonprofits and encouraging strategic planning for the future, Piper Trust strives to make Maricopa County a stronger, more nurturing and vibrant community. Since it began awarding grants in 2000, Piper Trust has invested $290 million in local nonprofits and programs. The Trust had total grants paid of $21.9 million in fiscal year 2012. Piper Trust grantmaking areas are healthcare and medical research, children, older adults, arts and culture, education and religious organizations. For more information, visit www.pipertrust.org

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Karen Leland, 480-556-7125 / kleland@pipertrust.org
Director, Communications and External Relations
Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
1202 East Missouri Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85014