Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole Stoltz Jones as its new Vice President of Philanthropy. In this new role, Jones will spearhead the organization’s fund development efforts, donor services, and strategic partnerships with professional advisors, to further advance CFA’s mission of connecting generous donors to the causes they care about.

Jones brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong track record in nonprofit management and development. With more than 10 years of leadership in the nonprofit sector, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to building meaningful relationships with donors looking to make an impact on lives through their philanthropic investments.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nicole Jones to the Community Foundation of Acadiana and look forward to drawing upon her talents and expertise to further strengthen our commitment to advancing philanthropy,” stated Clay Darnall, Chairman of the Board.

In 2018, Nicole joined the Office of Development at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette), the team that secures philanthropic gifts on behalf of the University, to support its students, faculty, colleges, and programs. Serving as a Senior Director of Development with a focus on the College of Nursing & Health Sciences and the College of Education & Human Development, Nicole has helped secure philanthropic gifts, pledges, planned gifts and gifts in-kind totaling more than $50 million over the past 5+ years. These gifts include a $7 million gift to support the University’s new Health Sciences Campus and the $20 million historic and transformational gift to the College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Today, this investment from LHC Group remains the largest philanthropic gift to an academic unit and to UL Lafayette in its 125-year history. Prior to her time at the University, Nicole served as Executive Director of Miles Perret Cancer Services for many years, developing new organizational strategies in regard to budget, staffing, fundraising, programs and services to accommodate a 215% increase in number of families served annually.

“Nicole joins the team at a pivotal time in our organization’s history and is uniquely equipped to build upon more than two decades of CFA’s commitment to donors and their philanthropic aspirations,” said Missy Bienvenu Andrade, President & CEO of Community Foundation of Acadiana. “Her experience leading a strong, local nonprofit paired with her time with UL Lafayette makes Nicole the best choice to enhance the CFA donor experience and to collaborate with partners to advance our mission,”

Dr. E. Joseph Savoie, President of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, shared the following: “Nicole has made a tremendous impact on UL’s advancement efforts over the last 5 years, and we are grateful for her many contributions and service to the university. Nicole will have the opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the community and the university, and I look forward to continuing our positive work together.”

Jones earned her BS in Business Administration from Louisiana State University and is currently a member of Leadership Lafayette Class XXXVI. In addition to her work with Miles Perret Cancer Services, Nicole has been a longtime volunteer and supporter of Ascension Episcopal School’s Fine Arts Alliance Board of Directors, Christian Youth Theater, and the Acadiana Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Nicole is also a recipient of the Planned Giving Council of Acadiana’s Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Philanthropy Award.

Nicole will assume her new role in early November.

CFA is one of south Louisiana’s premier philanthropic organizations benefiting our region, with a focus on the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Mary, St. Martin and Vermilion. CFA’s core purpose is to build legacies and improve communities by connecting generous people to the causes they care about. Since its inception in 2000, CFA has realized cumulative gifts exceeding $364 million and has made cumulative grants of more than $191 million. You can learn more at www.cfacadiana.org.