We are thrilled to announce that Angela Ryan has joined Community Foundation Sonoma County as the Executive Director of the Catalyst Fund. Angela brings a deep understanding of Sonoma Valley’s unique challenges and opportunities, having recently served as the Executive Director of the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation. In this newly created role, Angela will work to advance the Catalyst Fund and amplify the efforts of both organizations.

“Angela’s leadership abilities and deep knowledge of the Valley’s nonprofit sector are well known in the Valley,” said Dub Hay, Catalyst Fund co-chair. “This is an exciting next step in securing Catalyst’s future as a permanent philanthropy resource for Sonoma Valley.”

“I’m honored to take on this role. My deep connections in the Valley and experience working collaboratively to solve complex problems will help Catalyst continue its vital work. By partnering with CFSC, we can address these issues on a regional scale, while preserving the unique character of the Valley.” -Angela Ryan, Executive Director of Catalyst Fund

Angela steps into this role as Catalyst’s first full-time staff leader, following years of volunteer-led operations. The Catalyst Fund mobilizes local philanthropic resources to address Sonoma Valley’s urgent and ongoing challenges. Under Angela’s leadership, the Catalyst Fund will continue evolving to deepen its impact on critical issues like affordable housing, mental health, food insecurity, and education. Catalyst was able to secure funding for the new position through a special donor gift.

Over the next year, she will work to advance both Catalyst Fund and Community Foundation Sonoma County, splitting her time between both organizations to develop the strategy and evolution of our partnership model.

“Angela’s commitment to new forms of collaboration and increased equity, in a greatly changed Valley and nonprofit sector, are closely aligned with Catalyst’s purposes,” said Katherine Fulton, Catalyst’s other co-chair. For the past four years, Catalyst has been led and run almost entirely by volunteers. “This is not a sustainable strategy for the long run—and our donors have begun to inquire about our plans,” Fulton continued.

Angela grew up in Sonoma Valley and returned with her family in 2013. She loves Sonoma County’s community, the beautiful redwood groves, diverse culture, talented artists and musicians, and abundant wine and food. She lives here with her two children and husband, and they enjoy traveling, hiking, visiting the beach, and cooking together. Angela has a doctorate in history from The Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

“This is a dream come true for me,” shares Angela. “I love Sonoma for its diverse character, natural abundance, and quality of life it offers, and I am passionate about ensuring that it is a community where everyone can enjoy those features. Catalyst’s work in partnership with the Community Foundation has already made a major impact in just a few short years. Our community is stronger, more united and more resilient because of their swift and decisive action during the pandemic and its aftermath. I’m thrilled to contribute to even greater success as we continue to adapt and grow in addressing community needs with innovative solutions.”

Formed during the pandemic, and later merging with the Sonoma Valley Fund, Catalyst Fund has raised and deployed $2.7 million in Sonoma Valley through a variety of targeted grantmaking programs. As a fund of the Community Foundation Sonoma County, Catalyst Fund works together with the Community Foundation and in partnership with donors and community organizations to address urgent, emergent and chronic challenges no donor or organization can solve alone.

We are excited to see how Angela will guide the Catalyst Fund’s growth and further its mission, and look forward to the ways our partnership will benefit both organizations. Please join us in welcoming Angela Ryan to CFSC as we continue working toward a Sonoma County where we all can thrive!