Community Foundation of Burke County names Barbara Wetsig-Lynam as CEO and president

The Community Foundation of Burke County (CFBC) Thursday announced the appointment of Barbara Wetsig-Lynam as its new chief executive officer and president, effective Nov. 1.

Wetsig-Lynam brings more than 25 years of local, state, national and international experience in nonprofit leadership to the role. She holds an MBA specializing in nonprofit management from the University of Geneva, Switzerland, with a BA in public policy studies and French from Duke University.

In her new role, Wetsig-Lynam will oversee the foundation’s grantmaking, donor services, and community leadership initiatives. The Community Foundation of Burke County, established in 2000, has awarded more than $17 million in grants to support education, health, arts, and community development throughout Burke County and beyond.

Wetsig-Lynam replaces JJ Musgrove who left the foundation in July. He was hired in October 2023.

Wetsig-Lynam and her family moved to Morganton in 2022. She currently serves as the executive director at the Western North Carolina Journalism Foundation, where she successfully launched the foundation and garnered national attention for it and The Paper. Caroline Morgan Avery serves as interim board chair for the WNCJF and will oversee leadership succession.

“We are thrilled to welcome Barbara to lead the Community Foundation of Burke County into its next chapter,” said Chris Brittain, chair of the search committee for CFBC. “Throughout our extensive search process, Barbara demonstrated exceptional vision, commitment to community, and a deep understanding of the unique needs and opportunities within Burke County.”

“I am honored to join an organization with such a strong commitment to improving the quality of life for all Burke County residents,” said Wetsig-Lynam. “The Community Foundation serves as the first port of call and trusted partner in philanthropic investment for donors and a key bridge for those funds to flow to where they are most needed. I look forward to working with the staff, the board and local partners to build upon the foundation’s rich history of being this catalyst for positive change in our community.”

The Community Foundation of Burke County works with individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to create permanent funds that generate income to support charitable causes throughout Burke County. The foundation currently manages 205 funds totaling more than $59 million in assets.