Community News

Community Foundation names new president/CEO

Brandon Baird

By Lightning Reports, Published: May 27, 2026

A veteran nonprofit leader with a background in global conservation, donor advising and grant writing has been named president and chief executive officer of the Community Foundation of Henderson County, the foundation announced Wednesday.

The new leader of the county's large umbrella charity, Brandon Baird, brings nearly 15 years of experience in community foundations, nonprofit leadership, and philanthropic advising to the role. As president and CEO, he will lead the foundation’s work to steward charitable resources, strengthen local philanthropy, and support lasting community impact across Henderson County and its surrounding areas. He begins work on June 8.

Prior to his appointment, Baird served as senior philanthropy officer for Fauna & Flora, where he led the organization’s fund-raising strategy in the United States and helped build support for conservation programs around the world. Before joining Fauna & Flora, Baird spent five years at the Denver Foundation, working in donor advising and grantmaking roles that connected charitable resources with community priorities. Earlier in his career, he held development and donor engagement positions with Potomac Conservancy and Sojourners in Washington, D.C.

A Hendersonville native, Baird has a connection to Community Foundation of Henderson County that dates back to his college years, when he received a scholarship made possible through the generosity of CFHC donors. He later returned to serve on staff as program officer, where he led the Foundation’s grantmaking portfolio.

“I’m honored to return to Community Foundation of Henderson County and serve the community that has meant so much to me personally and professionally,” he said. “I look forward to building on the foundation’s strong legacy of philanthropy and working alongside donors, nonprofit partners, and community leaders to support Henderson County for generations to come.”

Baird earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He and his wife, Becca, enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring the mountains of Western North Carolina with their dog, Albus.