Experienced nonprofit and philanthropic leader brings a proven record of fundraising, financial leadership and community engagement to the Foundation!
HIGH POINT, N.C. — [September 26, 2026] — The High Point Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees are pleased to announce the appointment of Christine Byrd, MBA, CFRE, as the NEW President of the High Point Community Foundation, ushering in a new chapter of leadership for the organization beginning November 9, 2026.
A High Point resident and experienced nonprofit executive, Byrd brings a strong background in philanthropy, fundraising, financial management, organizational operations and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with boards, donors, nonprofit organizations and civic leaders to mobilize resources, strengthen organizations and advance community priorities.
“The High Point Community Foundation has always been about bringing people, resources and ideas together to strengthen our community,” states Mark Nelson, Chair, HPCF, “Christine understands both the responsibility and the opportunity that comes with that mission. We are excited to welcome a leader who brings proven experience, strong relationships and a genuine commitment to High Point.”
Byrd currently serves as Vice President of Philanthropy for the YMCA of Greater Greensboro, where she provides executive leadership for philanthropic strategy and community engagement. In that role, she works with donors, community leaders, regional partners, executive leadership and board members to expand philanthropic investment and strengthen organizational impact.
Previously, Byrd served as Chief Development Officer and Director of Development & Communications for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro. During her tenure, she led a comprehensive fundraising and stewardship strategy that increased unrestricted revenue by 65% over five years. She also assumed executive oversight of the organization’s finance department, including budgeting, financial reporting and long-term fiscal strategy.
Her previous leadership experience includes Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, Church World Service, and Greensboro Urban Ministry. At Children’s Home Society, she directed foundation and government funding strategy, securing more than $2.5 million annually and managing relationships with more than 85 foundation partners. Earlier at Greensboro Urban Ministry, she helped increase annual revenue from $3.6 million to $5.29 million within one fiscal year.
“I have spent my career bringing people, resources and strategy together to strengthen communities, and I am honored to have the opportunity to do that work in the community I call home,” said Christine Byrd, Incoming President, HPCF. “The High Point Community Foundation has an extraordinary opportunity to connect donors, nonprofits and community leaders around a shared vision for High Point’s future. I am especially excited to lead and work alongside the Foundation’s talented team — Amanda Bennett, Karol Bryant, Jaymi LaGuardia, and Allison Seymour by building on their experience, commitment and deep connection to our community. Together, we look forward to listening, strengthening relationships and working with our donors, nonprofit partners and community leaders to create meaningful, lasting impact.”
Byrd holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and an Accounting Certificate from Cornell University. She is a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE), serves as a board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, NC Triad Chapter, and is the president-elect of the Women’s Professional Forum.
Her appointment follows a comprehensive leadership search focused on identifying a president who could build upon the Foundation’s legacy while positioning the organization for its next era of philanthropy, donor engagement and community leadership.
“We are blessed to have found Christine Byrd who has worked in the nonprofit world for over 18 years, has a wealth of development experience, a strong financial acumen, and a reputation as a leader with integrity, character, and passion for serving others,” shared Paul Lessard, Founding President, HPCF. “These past 28 years, I have served as President of the Community Foundation and it has been one of the greatest privileges of my life and I feel as though I am passing our great endeavor on to someone who will love the Foundation and our community as much as I have.”
