William (Bill) McGuinn, Jr.

William (Bill) McGuinn, Jr.
3rd Chairman of the High Point Community Foundation
(12/2005 – 12/2007)

 
For most people, a career as a fighter pilot would be achievement enough. For Bill McGuinn, his time in the cockpit was mere prelude to many subsequent successes.
 
Bill was born and raised here in High Point. After attending High Point Central High School, he went to Duke on an academic scholarship. Bill graduated from that acclaimed school and joined the United States Air Force, where he became a jet fighter pilot and ultimately attained the rank of Captain.
 
When Bill retired from the Air Force, he was just getting started. He entered the banking industry and became one of the region’s leading lights, serving as Senior Banking Executive at First Citizens Bank. In 1997, he retired; and since has served as Chairman of the First Citizens Bank Board of Directors.
 
Throughout his life, Bill has actively engaged in civic and church endeavors, one of the most important being his role as an original member of the High Point Community Foundation Executive Board, where he helped propel the organization to the fast growth it needed in its early years. He has also served in leadership positions at Guilford Technical Community College; the High Point Chamber of Commerce; the High Point Economic Development Corporation; the United Way of Greater High Point; the Red Cross; the Salvation Army and the High Point Rotary Club. He is a lifelong member of the Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, and has served as co-chairman of the church’s capital campaign. Bill has been recognized by many organizations for his efforts and accomplishments over the years, including The High Point Enterprise: it has recognized Bill as its Citizen of the Year, which has been a high-profile award in High Point since 1967.
 
During his tenure as the third Chairman of the High Point Community Foundation, Bill McGuinn oversaw fundraising efforts that brought in over $24 million, greatly expanding the Foundation’s ability to impact the community. This accomplishment, and many others, made such an impact that our Governor awarded Bill the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of our state’s most prestigious honors in 2007.
 
Bill is married to Caroline and has three children; John William (Bill), Fuller, and Elizabeth.