The boards of the United Good Neighbors of Jefferson County and Jefferson County Community Foundation have announced the appointment of Ken Grafham as the new executive director effective April 12.

Both boards unanimously approved Grafham's appointment after a six-month process that involved interviewing many candidates. The boards are confident that Grafham's business acumen, strategic planning background and leadership skills would advance the missions of both organizations and provide an incredible resource for the local nonprofits and service organizations in our community.

“I am deeply grateful to be able to leave UGN and JCCF knowing they are in the hands of two committed and talented boards, dedicated staff, and a new leader with the potential to take both organizations to a new level of visibility and effectiveness,” said Carla Caldwell, retiring UGN/JCCF executive director, in a statement.

The boards are planning several receptions to welcome Grafham and introduce him to the community.

Grafham comes from the corporate world of Allstate Insurance Co. and brings knowledge in marketing, operations, finance, innovation and management. He is a hands-on manager and has built and implemented annual strategic plans for business growth and increased profitability; he also is a supervisor, leader and coach who has mentored peers on a local and national basis.

According to a press release, Grafham is adept at event management, crafting effective messages that relay purpose, and relating stories that connect to people and advocate for change. The boards were especially intrigued by the alignment of his relationship-building skills from the corporate marketing world with the nonprofit sector. He has been pursuing nonprofit education and is connected to Seattle-based nonprofits mentorship program to advance his fundraising expertise. He is to complete his fundraising certification course work this month.

Grafham has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wheaton College in Illinois and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Washington/Bothell. He volunteers at Social Ventures Partners, where he sits on its grant review committee, which focuses on working with early childhood education nonprofits in Seattle. He also sponsored and coordinated a Hopelink fundraising breakfast at Allstate and generated financial support for a local school backpack program.

Grafham and his wife, Sharon, have two grown children. Their daughter, Laura, and her husband are expecting their first child in July and she is working on a master’s degree in counseling. Their son, John, works at Flower World in the Seattle area and plans to become an organic farmer.

The family has been visiting Jefferson County for many years. They said they are big fans of the Port Townsend area and are thrilled to be relocating from Seattle in the coming months.

United Good Neighbors of Jefferson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps provide funding for, and raise awareness of, critical social services in our community. Jefferson County Community Foundation is dedicated to strengthening the community both now and for future generations through engaged philanthropy.