Greater Cabarrus Foundation Announces Leadership Transition
The Greater Cabarrus Foundation announced today that President & CEO Cam Cruickshank, Ph.D., has decided to step down at the end of 2026 to begin his next professional chapter and spend more time with family in the Midwest and North Carolina.
“Dr. Cruickshank played a leading role in establishing the Greater Cabarrus Foundation. He listened to our vision and helped turn our dream into a working organization, building our governance structures, operations, community partnerships, nonprofit support programs, and philanthropic services from the ground up. In less than two years the Foundation grew to more than $6 million in charitable assets across more than 50 funds,” said Bob Bratton, Chair of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation Board of Directors. “He invested a great deal of himself in this community. We are grateful for his leadership and confident in the Foundation’s ability to grow and deepen its impact on the quality of life in Cabarrus County.”
“It has been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life to help build the Greater Cabarrus Foundation from its inception,” said Dr. Cruickshank. “I am deeply grateful to our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, nonprofit partners, community investors, and civic leaders for believing in this mission and helping create an organization focused on strengthening Cabarrus County for generations to come. As my parents grow older and our children build lives of their own, my wife and I are entering a new stage of family life, one in which being close to loved ones is increasingly important. Becoming a grandfather this summer has reinforced my desire to be present for the everyday moments that matter most.”
The Greater Cabarrus Foundation emphasized that its mission and operations will continue uninterrupted throughout the leadership transition.
“The mission of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation remains unchanged,” said Bob Bratton. “We remain fully committed to growing charitable funds, supporting nonprofit organizations through grantmaking, and delivering nonprofit capacity-building services through Support Cabarrus.”
The Board of Directors has adopted a leadership transition plan designed to ensure organizational continuity and stability. Dr. Cruickshank will remain President & CEO through December 31, 2026, and is working with Foundation staff to transition his responsibilities before then. The Board will share interim leadership arrangements in the coming weeks and will begin its search for the Foundation’s next President & CEO in early 2027.
“The Greater Cabarrus Foundation is well-positioned for continued growth and community impact,” said Bob Bratton. “We are excited about the future and deeply appreciative of the ongoing support from investors, donors, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and community partners throughout Cabarrus County.”
About the Greater Cabarrus Foundation
The Greater Cabarrus Foundation is the community foundation for Cabarrus County, connecting local generosity to the long-term sustainability of nonprofit organizations and the community they serve. Learn more about the Greater Cabarrus Foundation at greatercabarrusfoundation.org.
About Support Cabarrus
Support Cabarrus is the capacity-building division of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation, providing affordable professional services, training, and resources that help nonprofits strengthen their operations, leadership, and long-term impact. Learn more about Support Cabarrus at supportcabarrus.org.