Lauren Cross of Port Chester is the new director of human resources and administration for the Fairfield County Community Foundation in Norwalk, CT.
She is among five new staff members hired to help the nonprofit organization increase its work addressing the greatest community needs and improve its services to donors and supporters.
The Foundation said Cross brings an extensive background in business and project management, audit and risk management, as well as human resources to the organization. Prior to joining the Foundation she was chief operating officer in the Investment Banking Information Technology Division at Credit Suisse and also held various roles at Goldman Sachs including project leader, chief operating officer and department manager.
She has local roots as a graduate of Wilton High School, and receives her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a master’s in business administration from New York University’s Stern School of Business. Having recently decided to shift gears to the nonprofit sector, Cross is completing a master’s in public administration degree at Pace University with a focus in nonprofit management.
Cross lives in Port Chester with her two dogs and volunteers with local pet rescue organizations, as well as at her church.
The Fairfield County Community Foundation promotes the growth of community and regional philanthropy to improve the quality of life throughout Fairfield County. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds or contribute to existing funds.
The Foundation also provides philanthropic advisory services, and develops and leads initiatives to tackle critical community issues. It is in compliance with the Council on Foundations’ national standards for community foundations. The Foundation has awarded $135 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond.
