From Tripp Penn, Chair
Happy New Year friends and colleagues!
As we begin 2025, I am honored to step into the role of Chair of Georgia Grantmakers Alliance’s Steering Committee. First, I want to express my gratitude to Sonia Vick for her outstanding leadership over the last two years. Because of her efforts and the support of Mary Judson, GGA stands ready to embrace new opportunities and to convene grantmakers across our state to influence change and improve our communities. I am grateful, too, for the leadership of our outgoing Steering Committee Members - Shell Berry (Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area), Lizzy Smith (Woodruff and Whitehead Foundations), and Paul White (Wellspring Nonprofit Resource, Inc.). Under Sonia’s leadership, the Steering Committee in consultation with our stakeholders was determined to chart a course for GGA that would allow for nimble response and thoughtful action.
Through interviews, network research, numerous conversations with past committee leaders and with Philanthropy Southeast, the Steering Committee learned of the goals and objectives of Georgia’s grantmakers and how GGA can best support this important work. The result was a plan to step into the next phase of growth as an independent organization.
In November, we announced a new Executive Director for GGA, Meghan Pietrantonio. She has worked in philanthropy in Atlanta since 2010, most recently serving as Head of Strategy for the Truist Foundation. I met Meghan for lunch in her hometown of Peachtree City and asked her about her experience working in philanthropy and about her personal interests.
Meghan, what is it about philanthropy that made you want a career in the field?
I have a lifelong love of learning. I was always encouraged by my parents to follow my curiosities and interests. Growing up, I was a serious classical ballerina and considered joining a professional company after high school. But, in the end I desired more learning and pursued a bachelor’s degree at Vanderbilt instead. Summer internships in arts administration led me to a first job at the Metro Atlanta Arts and Culture Coalition - a now defunct public-private partnership to increase public support for and awareness of the robust community of arts and culture organizations across metro Atlanta.
I learned so much about the nonprofit sector from our board members, our Executive Director, our partner organizations and even our nonprofit banker! I was inspired by the intersection of people, purpose and passion, and the opportunity that philanthropy presents to create, influence and bolster thriving communities.
Is there a quote or mantra you live by?
Early in my career I went to the Coca-Cola Company Headquarters for a meeting. While waiting, I read a Robert Woodruff quote displayed high up in the grand lobby that I have adopted in my approach to this work: “There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn't mind who gets the credit.” This quote as well as an important lesson I learned in my year as a Hull Fellow - “Nothing for us without us” - continue to guide my work.
You recently went to Italy’s Amalfi Coast … how did it compare to the postcards?
Yes! The views on the postcards can’t begin to describe the freshest food and warm-hearted people, or the adrenaline rush of navigating the winding cliffside roads. It was a beautiful part of the world, and I’m grateful I had the opportunity to go. I really enjoy visiting smaller towns and trying to take a locals approach to vacation. My family luckily has adopted my love of travel and we have had fun adventures in Sevilla, Porto, Prague, Salzburg, Naxos, London, Costa Rica and an RV trip to Yellowstone. I’m looking forward to an upcoming trip to the Galapagos Islands in March…first time in South America!
What are you excited about in the year ahead?
So many things! I’m excited about my new role with GGA which is offering me the opportunity to learn something new every day. I love to geek out on CRM tools, as much as I love to take deep dives into issues and new ideas. The time I have with my kids is so important to me. I am excited about celebrating my son’s 10th birthday with camping in Arches National Park this summer. It gives me such joy to watch my daughter dance, and I’m excited for her to compete in a duet for the first time this spring. And finally, I’m excited for my youngest son to teach me how to play Minecraft and chess!
I am excited about Meghan serving as our Executive Director and about the fresh ideas and new opportunities GGA leaders are working on this year. I also am excited to welcome four new Steering Committee members -
Dahlia Brown (Woodruff and Whitehead Foundations),
Ayana Gabriel (Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta),
Kristy Klein Davis (Georgia Health Initiative), and
Karen Lambert (Peyton Anderson Foundation).
We are casting a wide net and look forward to welcoming all of our colleagues in grantmaking to join us at a GGA event this year. Our goal remains to make a transformational difference in all of Georgia’s communities.
Yours in service,
Tripp Penn
