A Note from Our Executive Director & Board Chair
The following note was shared with members and supporters of Women’s Impact Fund via email on March 14, 2025.
From our Executive Director, Patricia Massey Hoke:
Serving as the first Executive Director of Women’s Impact Fund has been an incredible honor. After many months of reflection, in February I shared with the Board of Directors my decision to step down at the end of this program year on June 30, 2025. This was not an easy decision; I remain deeply committed to WIF’s mission and excited for what lies ahead.
We have accomplished so much together over the last six years. We reimagined our membership and grantmaking processes to be more equitable and accessible, we strengthened the financial sustainability of Women’s Impact Fund through increased giving and new investments, we thoughtfully celebrated our 20th Anniversary with a focus on community, and we faced the challenges of the COVID pandemic by offering creative virtual and hybrid programming. I have grown as a leader and am so proud of the ways WIF has adapted, evolved, and expanded its impact in the Charlotte area.I do not have a defined next career move. I remain committed to advancing equity and innovation in philanthropy and have a particular interest in rest and renewal for nonprofit leaders, inspired in many ways by our Spark Awards. I’m open to conversation and look forward to discerning what’s next as I step away.
I know you are aware that Fielding Williams will retire from her role as Membership & Operations Manager this April. I am in the initial interview phase of this role and look forward to having someone on board in the coming months. I understand how close our departures are to each other but can assure you our decisions are unrelated and should not be cause for concern. In fact, this fall Fielding and I both plan to join as members!
Women’s Impact Fund has been, is, and will remain member-led and member-driven. You, the members, are the special sauce that makes this work so powerful and rewarding. Our organization is in a strong operating position with a highly capable and dedicated board and many committed volunteers. In 2025-2026, we will enter the third year of a three-year strategic plan, which is perfect timing for a new leader to transition and impact our future direction.Thank you for inviting me to walk with you on this collective journey. I look forward to seeing you as we celebrate our impact at the 2025 Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 6.
Patricia Massey Hoke
Executive Director
From our Board Chair, Katie Susong:
On behalf of the Board, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Patricia for her outstanding leadership over the past six years. Her dedication has brought stability and elevated our organization both locally and nationally in immeasurable ways. I am incredibly proud of all she has accomplished and deeply grateful for her contributions.
The Board is actively engaged in the search for our next Executive Director and has partnered with Armstrong McGuire to lead this process. Armstrong McGuire is a leading executive search, fundraising and strategic advising firm that supports nonprofits and philanthropic organizations. While we are sad to see both Patricia and Fielding leave, we are excited for their next chapters and the future of our organization. Change can feel big, but we’re prepared and committed to a smooth, successful transition.If you have any questions or thoughts, please feel free to reach out to me. We also look forward to celebrating Patricia at a future date—stay tuned for more details.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement.
Katie Susong
2024-2026 Board Chair
