Changing of the guard, not the role

Dan Baldwin is a tough act to follow. Thankfully, his successor has qualifications that fit the challenge.

Baldwin leaves an impressive record as he winds up his seven-plus years as president and CEO of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. The non-profit public foundation's assets grew from $23 million to $95 million during that span. In 2009 alone, 40 endowed funds were added, bringing the total to 539.

That growth is significant for our area. The tax-exempt foundation's mission is to use donations to maintain or improve local quality of life. The invested funds' income growth support projects and organizations that benefit the community.

The foundation also stepped up during the post-2008 flood crisis, coordinating an emergency fund that so far has delivered more than $4.7 million to help 66 non-profits affected by the disaster so they in turn could keep providing services to residents with critical needs.

Baldwin's resignation is effective Friday. He'll move to a similar position with the community foundation in Monterey, Calif.

Many who worked with Baldwin praised his leadership and say he'll be missed. We agree. He also served the community as president/CEO of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library from 1996 to 2002.

Leslie Garner, who succeeds Baldwin, brings experience with our community. President of Cornell College in Mount Vernon since 1994, he takes the foundation post this summer. Garner's time as chair of the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and Cedar Rapids Symphony boards is especially pertinent.

Garner recognizes and embraces how the foundation's role evolved under Baldwin, becoming a larger community force not only in supporting non-profits but in community development and flood recovery.

Garner's track record of integrity and building relationships with people of all socioeconomic classes, was cited by the foundation's board.

He leadership at Cornell College is well regarded. Among several recent national mentions, Cornell was named a Top Financial Find and one of the 24 Best Buy Schools among private colleges in the 2010 edition of the Fiske Guide to Colleges. No small feat during a time of escalating college costs.

We are grateful for Baldwin's service and wish him well. Meanwhile, the foundation remains in good hands. We expect its influence and importance will continue to grow.