(Media, PA) – The Foundation for Delaware County has announced the selection of Michael Kellerman as its next President, effective October 1, 2025. Following a national search led by Kittleman & Associates, LLC, the Board of Directors unanimously approved Michael to lead the Foundation into its next phase of growth and community impact.
Michael will succeed Frances Sheehan, the Foundation’s inaugural President, who has led the organization since 2017. Frances announced her retirement last fall and will officially step down in October 2025.
“Michael brings a proven track record in nonprofit management and a deep commitment to Delaware County, where he has made his home,” said Mike Magnavita, Board Chair. “The Board and I are confident in his ability to build on the strong foundation established by Frances and our exceptional staff. We are especially excited about Michael’s commitment to growing our assets in innovative ways, expanding our local impact, and fostering a more inclusive culture of philanthropy and community investment.”
Michael joins the Foundation with extensive experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, including most recently serving as Interim Executive Director at the Philanthropy Network of Greater Philadelphia, WOAR – Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, and theVillage (now Gemma Services).
“A respected and seasoned nonprofit leader, Michael brings more than 25 years of experience advancing mission-driven organizations, including more than a decade in the Philadelphia region,” added Magnavita. “His deep understanding of the power of philanthropic institutions makes him uniquely equipped to lead the Foundation into its next chapter.”
“I am honored to step into this role and lead The Foundation for Delaware County into its next stage of strategic growth and impact. The Foundation is a powerful force for good, and I look forward to partnering with its talented team, dedicated Board, and inspiring partners across this dynamic community,” said Michael Kellerman. “I am grateful to the Board of Directors for the trust they have placed in me.”
Michael emphasized a commitment to advancing the Foundation’s signature initiatives, including Delco Gives, the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, and maternal health programming, while also investing in collaborative, community-led strategies to build a philanthropic engine for Delaware County.
Magnavita added, “I’m excited to work closely with Michael as he steps into this important role. We were fortunate to have a highly competitive applicant pool, and are thrilled we were able to find such an experienced philanthropic leader right here in our own backyard. I’m especially grateful to our search committee, led by Stephen Scott Bradley, for their professionalism and dedication. We also deeply appreciate Frances for giving us a year’s notice, which allowed us the time to conduct a thoughtful and thorough search.”
In addition to his staff leadership at the Philanthropy Network, Michael currently serves as Board President of the new Philly Pops and Board Treasurer of Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Greater Philadelphia.
As the largest independent philanthropy in Delaware County, the Foundation unites funders, nonprofits, and elected officials to address critical community issues and respond to emerging challenges. Since its launch in 2016, the Foundation has distributed more than $16 million in grants, scholarships, and charitable care. It also hosts Delco Gives, the county’s only digital giving day, which has raised nearly $4 million for nonprofits in its first two years. With deep local roots, the Foundation helps donors create meaningful impact through customizable charitable funds, including donor-advised and scholarship funds.
More About The Foundation for Delaware County
The Foundation for Delaware County is the largest grantmaking philanthropy in Delaware County, PA. One of 900 community foundations across the U.S., the Foundation offers support and resources for nonprofits of every size, helps generous people give with more impact, brings together funders, nonprofits, and elected officials to address critical community problems, and responds to major challenges and crises in Delaware County as they arise.
In addition to grant funding, the Foundation operates the Center for Nonprofit Excellence to strengthen Delaware County’s nonprofit community through training workshops and peer learning opportunities. The Foundation encourages philanthropy by connecting donors to worthy causes through efficient charitable giving vehicles like donor-advised and scholarship funds.
The Foundation hosts Delaware County’s annual giving day – Delco Gives. Delco Gives has raised nearly $4 million for hundreds of nonprofits since it launched in 2024.
The Foundation operates vital public health programs, including Healthy Start, the WIC nutrition program, and Nurse-Family Partnership, as well as the Housing Opportunities Program for Equity (HOPE), El Centro (a Hispanic resource center), and a health resource center for students in the Chester Upland School District. Together, these programs and more collectively serve 8,000+ moms, dads, babies, and families each year.
For more information, please contact Katy Lichtenstein, Vice President of Communications at klichtenstein@delcofoundation.org or call 610.744.1017.
