Community Foundation honors retiring executive and welcomes new director

As the Outer Banks Community Foundation (OBCF) celebrates its 30th anniversary during the month of November, the organization announces a change in leadership.

Founded in 1982 by David Stick, Andy Griffith, Ray White, Edward Green, George Crocker, Martin Kellogg and Jack Adams, OBCF has awarded more than $4.5 million in grants and scholarships to organizations and students across the region.

In December 2012, OBCF’s executive director, Barbara Bingham, will be retiring after nearly 14 years of service.

Skipper Hines, President of the OBCF Board of Directors, stated: “Barbara has been a guiding light for the foundation in the time she has served as executive director. During her tenure, which represents almost half of the foundation’s existence, she has worked with multiple boards, fund holders and community leaders, and she has consistently guided them on how to maintain the mission of the Outer Banks Community Foundation and fulfill the vision of its founders. The foundation, our fund holders and entire community owe Barbara a tremendous thank you for all she has done.”

To honor her many years of service, OBCF presented Bingham with a $5,000 grant in her name at the organization’s 30th anniversary celebration, held on Nov. 16 at Jennette’s Pier.

The OBCF Board has selected Lorelei Costa, a seasoned non-profit administrator and philanthropy professional, to fill the position of OBCF executive director and lead the organization into its fourth decade of charitable giving and donor and non-profit services.

Costa, who earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her certificate in non-profit management from Duke University, is returning to North Carolina after six years of adventure and non-profit work in Alaska.

During her 13 years of non-profit experience, she has worked on such diverse projects as the Springer’s Point Preserve on Ocracoke Island and the Mountain-to-Sea Trail of North Carolina.

She spent five years as director of communications and development for Audubon Alaska.

As a volunteer, she’s supported a diversity of organizations, including performing arts groups, public radio, a women’s health clinic, and a homeless day shelter.

“It’s such an honor to join the Outer Banks Community Foundation as the organization celebrates 30 years of giving,” said Costa. “In the coming months, I will be most eager to connect with volunteers, donors, community leaders and non-profits across the Outer Banks to learn more about their passions and needs, and to set our strategy for growth and continued excellence over the next 30 years.”

For more information on the foundation go to Outer Banks Community Foundation at www.obcf.org .