As a leading voice in the philanthropic sector, Bivens has spent her career in program management and organizational leadership roles, including director and officer positions at organizations across the state. She comes to the Council with over 15 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofits
Recently, she served as program director at the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, where she spearheaded initiatives that focus on the environment and learning differences. Prior to joining the Tremaine Foundation, she served as director of Thrive by 25 at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation. Bivens also worked at the McGivney Community Center in Bridgeport as their Executive Director.
“Alexis’ experience in building alliances and shared strategy among funders makes her ideally suited for this unique opportunity,” said Karla Fortunato, President of the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy. “Her leadership will help us continue our mission of sustained impact across the state.”
Co-chair for SOW-CT and president of Perrin Family Foundation, Laura McCargar, said, “Over the past five years, the vision of SOW-CT has been nurtured by a committed volunteer leadership team and deeply engaged members. Alexis was already central to this work, and we are delighted to have her join us in the capacity of managing director to help steward the next stage of our strategic work together.”
Alexis received her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at Eastern Connecticut State University and her Master of Arts in Community Counseling at Fairfield University.
“I am honored to join the Council in this new position,” said Bivens. “The Council plays a significant role in the state, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to guide funder practices and advance equitable solutions to strengthen the Connecticut philanthropic landscape.”
The Council is delighted to welcome her to the team and looks forward to her continued collaboration with partners in her new role.
About the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy
The Connecticut Council for Philanthropy organizes, inspires, and equips a community of funders to learn, collaborate, and lead together for sustained impact and social change. CCP membership includes foundations, business and corporate giving programs, individual philanthropists, and those serving the philanthropic sector. Learn more at www.CTphilanthropy.org.
About the Supporting Organizing Work – CT (SOW-CT)
SOW-CT is a funder collaborative that seeks to build organizing infrastructure across Connecticut and better equip Connecticut’s philanthropic sector to invest in organizing as a strategy for change and impact. SOW-CT’s membership includes Private, Community, and Family foundations from across the state engaged in social change efforts across a wide range of interrelated social justice issues. SOW-CT’s membership annually grants more than $5 million to directly support organizing and social change efforts in addition to supporting SOW-CT’s efforts to build and strengthen Connecticut’s organizing infrastructure.